South Africa has officially banned terbufos, a highly hazardous pesticide linked to multiple deaths, following a government decision announced last year.
The pesticide was linked to the deaths of six children in Soweto in late 2024, causing a national outcry and prompting researchers to investigate further. Further studies revealed that at least 355 people had been killed by terbufos between 2023 and 2024, supporting calls from researchers and advocacy groups for urgent action.
The South African Government has now acted. From 8 May, the “acquisition, disposal, sale or use of agricultural remedies containing terbufos as an active ingredient” has been prohibited.
The ban comes amid growing momentum across Africa to phase out highly hazardous pesticides and strengthen protections for public health.
Responding to the ban, Dr Keith Tyrell, Head of CPSP Global Strategy, said:
“We are delighted that this ban has now come into force and congratulate the South African government on a decision that will undoubtedly save lives.
“Earlier this year, we also welcomed new bans on highly hazardous pesticides in other African countries, including Tanzania, Uganda, Madagascar and Eswatini. We now look forward to working with researchers, NGOs and governments to measure the impact of these bans.”
Over the past few years, CPSP has worked closely with universities, governments, and advocacy groups across Africa to identify the pesticides causing the greatest harm and support action to remove them from use.
In January 2026, Tanzania banned 18 highly hazardous pesticides (HHPs). CPSP and the Centre for Environment Justice and Development (CEJAD) worked closely with the Tanzanian government to identify the pesticides most responsible for poisoning and deaths in the country.
Also in January, Madagascar banned 34 HHPs, implementing recommendations from the regional HHP strategy developed by the Southern African Pesticide Regulators’ Forum. CPSP and CEJAD supported the development of the strategy.
Elsewhere in the region, Uganda banned 18 HHPs in April, while Eswatini has begun the process of banning two HHPs.
CPSP will continue working closely with governments, including Ministries of Health and Agriculture, to monitor the impact of these bans on both suicide rates and agricultural production.
Further reading
South Africa approves ban on a highly toxic pesticide
Dangerous pesticides are a problem in South Africa – pests and poor controls are to blame (External link)