Thousands of South African farm workers are calling for an immediate halt to the export of dangerous pesticides from Europe, substances that continue to cause serious health issues despite being banned in the European Union. The demand comes after years of suffering by farm workers exposed to harmful chemicals like Dormex, a plant growth regulator containing cyanamide, which has been banned in the EU since 2009. However, European companies still manufacture and export this toxic substance to countries like South Africa, where it is used in agriculture.
One such worker, Dina Ndelini, spent over 40 years working on vineyards near Cape Town. Her life was forever changed when she suddenly began to struggle with breathing problems. Doctors linked her health collapse to prolonged exposure to Dormex, a pesticide that is still widely used in South Africa despite being banned in Europe. Unfortunately, this is not an isolated case. Many farm workers across South Africa are suffering from similar health conditions, with pesticides like Dormex poisoning their bodies over the years.
The Hidden Danger of Pesticide Exports
Despite the EU’s ban on certain harmful pesticides, European companies continue to produce these chemicals and ship them to countries with weaker regulatory systems, such as South Africa. Pesticides that are banned in Europe often end up in foods that are later sold on supermarket shelves across Europe, creating a troubling double standard. The issue is not just one of export, but also of corporate responsibility and international trade practices that put vulnerable workers at risk.
In March, several affected farm workers gathered to share their stories at the People’s Tribunal held in Stellenbosch, South Africa, a region famous for its wine production. Many of the workers testified about the devastating impact pesticides have had on their health. They reported suffering from chronic lung damage, cancer, vision loss, and other serious illnesses due to constant exposure to toxic chemicals on the job.
“If it’s not safe for Europeans, why should it be safe for us?” asked one anonymous worker, speaking out at the tribunal. The workers’ testimony highlighted the dangerous working conditions they endure, often with little to no protection from the chemicals they handle daily.
Widespread Suffering and Lack of Protections
According to the African Centre for Biodiversity, there are still 192 pesticides that are highly hazardous and remain legal in South Africa, despite being banned in the EU. Of these, 57 are substances that are no longer allowed in European countries due to their known health risks. Women are at even greater risk, as they tend to be more biologically vulnerable to pesticides and face weaker social protections. On many farms, women workers are forced to use makeshift protection, such as scarves wrapped around their faces, while spraying chemicals in the fields.
Further compounding the issue is the lack of basic sanitation on many farms. Many farm workers testified that they do not have access to running water or proper toilets while working long hours in chemically treated fields. This lack of basic infrastructure not only makes their jobs harder but also increases their exposure to harmful substances.
EU Faces Growing Criticism for Double Standards
The European Union has been under increasing pressure to address its role in the export of hazardous pesticides. European policymakers are now discussing potential changes to trade rules to limit pesticide residues in imported agricultural products. However, industry groups like CropLife, a powerful pesticide lobby, argue that the climate and agricultural conditions in countries like South Africa justify the continued export of these dangerous chemicals.
This argument has been sharply criticized by the UN’s Special Rapporteur on Toxic Substances, Marcos Orellana. He rejected the idea that different climates and crops make it acceptable for pesticides banned in Europe to be used in other countries. “The human body is the same everywhere,” Orellana stated, calling out the hypocrisy of allowing hazardous chemicals to be exported to developing countries where regulatory oversight is often weak or nonexistent. He also criticized governments in these countries for lacking the political will or capacity to enforce pesticide bans, often falling prey to corporate interests and international trade pressures.
In response to growing concerns, the South African government has pledged to phase out hazardous chemicals over time. However, workers on the ground say that enforcement remains weak, and many fear retaliation if they speak out. Many farm workers are also unaware of their rights and lack the knowledge or resources to assert them.
Women on Farms, an NGO that supports female workers in the agricultural sector, has been vocal in its call for Europe to take action. Kara MacKay, the organization’s campaign coordinator, emphasized the complicity of European countries in the ongoing health crisis. “Each exported toxin makes the EU complicit in our daily poisoning,” MacKay said. The group has called for a complete ban on the export of substances that are no longer allowed in the EU.
The Path Forward
The People’s Tribunal in Stellenbosch is not the end of the story. The tribunal judges are expected to issue their findings and legal recommendations in the coming months. This decision could pave the way for stronger regulations and a renewed focus on the harmful effects of pesticide exports on farm workers in South Africa and other countries.
The tribunal’s findings are expected to provide a legal basis for future actions, including potential pressure on European policymakers to take stronger measures against the export of banned chemicals. In the meantime, South African farm workers continue to fight for their right to work in a safe and healthy environment, free from the dangers of toxic pesticide exposure.
The ongoing struggle of South African farm workers highlights a broader issue of global inequality and the exploitation of workers in developing countries. The export of dangerous pesticides from Europe to countries like South Africa is a clear example of how corporate interests and weak regulatory systems can put vulnerable populations at risk. As farm workers continue to suffer, the European Union faces growing pressure to stop the export of banned substances and ensure that trade practices prioritize human health and safety over corporate profits.
