In an effort to empower the local community, the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, in conjunction with the Gauteng Health Department, the West Rand District Municipality, the Mogale City Local Municipality and the Merafong City Local Municipality have officially launched the Organophosphate Awareness Campaign.

The launch took place on 13 October at the Chief Mogale Hall in Kagiso.

Ms Magabane (a West Rand health official at theWest Rand District Municipality) gave a brief background on the strategic association between the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, the Gauteng Health Department and all the West Rand municipalities.

Trevor Johnson from the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries was the keynote speaker during the launch. In his speech, he expressed how he’s looking forward to strengthening the relationship with the Gauteng Health Department and the West Rand municipalities, and at empowering people with information about the health impact of Aldicarb, [also known by the Sotho/ Tswana name] ‘Galephirimi’, and as ‘Two Step’).

This pesticide, which damages the nerve function, is highly effective at killing rodents/ pests. It comes in dark grey granules, and is sold in little packets or straws at street markets, on trains and even at pension pay-out points, Johnson said. People can mistake it for spice or pepper and sprinkle it on their food.

Galephirimi is an illegal pesticide. So, take charge, and report any illegal sale of Aldicarb to the nearest police station.
As alluring as it was, the workshop was attended by scores of the members of the South African National Civic Organisation (Sanco), Community Work Programme (CWP) from Chief Mogale and pensioners, who appeared excited to learn about Galephirimi.

And, although formalities of the event started an hour late, tolerant residents of Chief Mogale showed their enthusiasm for the cause.

While Ms Magabane conducted her workshop, the Ward 11 councillor, Jeremiah Jim, who is known as ‘Bishop’ in political circles, was acknowledged in his absence as he was attending the Human Settlement and Rural Development Portfolio Committee meeting in Mogale City.

The hall was strategically adorned with exhibition stalls and kept members of the community engaged on matters relating to Galephirimi.