By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
14 December 2024- The Democratic Alliance (DA) said it is deeply concerned by the alarming failure of the National Department of Health to address the critical shortage of Environmental Health Practitioners (EHPs), with 73 vacant posts still unfilled.
The DA said this neglect is occurring in the face of an escalating crisis of food contamination, which has already claimed 23 lives, including a heart-breaking majority of children aged 3 to 6 years.
DA spokesperson on Health, Michele Clarke said the President’s declaration of this issue as a national disaster underscores its gravity. Clarke said yet, the Department of Health has not taken the necessary steps to empower EHPs to perform vital inspections and enforce food safety standards.
“These health practitioners play an essential role in ensuring that food provided through school feeding schemes and sold at spaza shops meets safety regulations.
“Their work is critical to protecting the wellbeing of our children and communities, particularly as the festive season approaches and the risk of further incidents looms large,” she said.
Clarke further said the DA is appalled by the continued inaction, which has left communities vulnerable to preventable tragedies. She added that as a nation, they cannot afford the cost of human lives resulting from contaminated food due to insufficient oversight and inspection.
“To address this dire situation, the DA will be writing to Minister Aaron Motsoaledi to demand immediate feedback on the timeline for filling these essential positions. We will seek clarity on the department’s plans to mitigate the current crisis and ensure that necessary inspections are carried out to prevent further loss of life.
“We call on the government to prioritize the recruitment and deployment of Environmental Health Practitioners without delay. The safety and health of our children must not be compromised due to bureaucratic delays and inefficiencies,” she said.
Clarke said the DA will continue to hold the government accountable and work tirelessly to ensure that every South African has access to safe and uncontaminated food. She urged communities to report any concerns about food safety to local authorities and support efforts to safeguard public health.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), Minister: Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa said the government strengthened action against foodborne illnesses to protect lives and livelihoods. Hlabisa said the government recognizes constitutional obligation to protect, promote, and fulfil the rights enshrined in the Bill of Rights.
“This duty takes on even greater urgency in light of the alarming escalation of foodborne illnesses, which have disproportionately affected children and vulnerable communities, leaving a tragic wake of loss and hardship.
“With over 25 young lives lost to recent food poisoning outbreaks, this growing crisis has highlighted the grave danger foodborne illesses pose to public health, especially in under-resourced townships and rural areas,” he said.
The Guardian 