The parliamentary briefing follows public hearings convened by The People’s Tribunal on AgroToxins over two days in March 2025. The jury heard live testimony from survivors of pesticide poisoning and exposure on farms and factories, from trade unions, farm workers and dwellers, researchers and experts on the types of pesticides used by big corporations in South Africa and their impact on the health, mainly of poor and marginalised communities. The jury also heard testimony on international obligations that are being flouted by our government, their connivance with corporations bent on profiteering at the expense of health and general secrecy and withholding of information from the public relating to the pesticides being used in agriculture – many of them classified as Highly Hazardous Pesticides (HHPs).

The jury also received extensive documentary evidence and research done in South Africa and internationally, particularly in Europe, where the use of the named pesticides is prohibited  - but their export to our country is encouraged.

The Tribunal was adjudicated by Judge Navi Pillay, Commissioner Philile Ntuli, and Dr Sophia Kisting-Cairncross. The briefing to parliament will be led by the three Jurors.

 The briefing aims to enrich participatory democracy by enjoining the People’s Tribunal to ongoing parliamentary and government deliberations regarding agrotoxins. In February 2025, the Portfolio Committee considered, and committed in principle on the establishment of a multi-sectoral task team to conduct the necessary research on available and efficient alternatives to Terbufos and other HHPs, with a view to an effective ban on Turbufos in six months.

The Parliamentary Briefing takes place as follows:

• Date: Tuesday, 20 May 2025
• Time: 09h30am
• Venue: Virtual

 Youtube Livestream:            @SAPeoplesTribunalAgrotoxins / @parliamentofRSA

ENDS

For further information, Mr Wisani Baloyi on 081 016 8308 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or Given Makhuvele @ 082 773 4428/ 072 1977 581 (WhatsApp) email on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

SAPToA Coordinator: Haidee Swanby 082 459 8548  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. https://agrotoxinstribunalsa.co.za