September
2008
GM foods to be labelled in South Africa
GM Food in South Africa to be labelled
Yesterday was an exciting day, as the Department of Trade and Industry handed down a ruling for mandatory labelling of genetically modified foods in South Africa. Yes, you read that right – genetically modified food will be labelled as such in South Africa.
The draft Consumer Protection Bill had originally removed a clause insisting on mandatory labelling, under the vociferous objections of the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Health, amongst others.
After two years of lobbying by citizens groups, the clause was reinstated.
Unfortunately, our multinational-friendly people-unfriendly Department of Agriculture is still responsible for determining the thresholds and technical requirements of the new regulations, and we’ll have to remain vigilant to ensure they don’t water them down.
What separates us?
On the blog this week is a talk by Jane Goodall on our interconnectedness with animals, and with each other, and how everyone makes a difference. And talking of making a difference…
Mining in the Transkei
The South African Department of Minerals and Energy has handed the rights to destroy the pristine Transkei coastline to an Australian mining company. As is usual in underhand deals like this, jobs are promised to the locals to minimise opposition, when in actual fact the locals will be left with the legacy of the destructive effects of open caste mining for generations, and the promised jobs will go to skilled outsiders.
Locals have seen through the charade, and local leaders, such as AmaMpondo king Mpondomini Sigcau are mobilising against the deal. There’s a good chance of it being overturned, as the extent of the local opposition has caught Mineral and Energy minister Buyelwa Sonjica by surprise, and she has since claimed that “a mistake was made, of not consulting properly, not by us as a department, but by MRC. We need to correct that”.
As much support as possible is needed. If you feel this issue is important, please sign the petition immediately, as it’s being submitted on the 19th of September.
Spring strawberries and Heritage Day
With spring come the first strawberries, and we have some on offer this week. Head on over to www.ethical.org.za to place your order. Please remember when placing your order that Wednesday September 24 is Heritage Day, a public holiday aimed at celebrating our diverse cultural heritage and beliefs, so take note if you normally collect or take delivery on Wednesday instead of Thursday. Note also that our Pentz Drive collection point will be closed this week. The nearest alternative collection point is Mast Mews, in Bloubergsands.
Have a great week,
the Co-op team
[...] the recent ruling by the Department of Trade and Industry that GM foods will be labelled (see GM foods to be labelled in South Africa) has begun. Using the classic FUD tactic (Fear, Uncertainty and Doubt), a GM lobbiest announced [...]