The African Transformation Movement (ATM) voices deep concern and strong disapproval of the South African government’s choice to hire temporary patrol agents to monitor food quality. This decision is made despite a considerable number of qualified, unemployed Environmental Health Practitioners capable of ensuring the safety of the nation’s food supply.
South Africa has faced a surge in counterfeit goods, posing a serious threat to the health and safety of its citizens. These illicit products, often of inferior quality and origin, have resulted in numerous deaths and severe health issues within our communities. Urgent action is imperative for the government to address this crisis.
The ATM firmly believes that the government’s primary role is to safeguard citizens’ well-being, especially in critical areas such as food safety. We maintain that a pool of qualified Environmental Health Practitioners, currently unemployed, is available to oversee and regulate food quality.
Deploying Environmental Health Practitioners in communities nationwide would not only enhance food safety but also offer vital job opportunities for these skilled professionals. Employing Environmental Health Practitioners stands as a logical and sustainable solution to the pressing food safety crisis.
Moreover, we strongly advocate for regulating the microeconomy, where counterfeit goods, often distributed by foreign nationals, circulate. Effective regulation and oversight are essential to halt the distribution of perilous counterfeit products threatening the health and safety of South Africans.
The ATM calls upon the South African government to:
- Swiftly employ Environmental Health Practitioners to oversee the critical role of food quality monitoring.
- Strengthen regulatory measures and enforcement to combat the circulation of counterfeit goods within the microeconomy.
- Collaborate with pertinent stakeholders to develop a comprehensive strategy ensuring the safety of South Africa’s food supply.
The African Transformation Movement stands in solidarity with the people of South Africa. We vow to vigorously advocate for their safety, well-being, and the employment of qualified professionals willing to serve their communities.
