by AKANI CHAUKE
JOHANNESBURG, (CAJ News) – THE partners in the coalition government that rule South Africa are at each other’s throats again.
This time, it is over the Health ministry, led by the African National Congress’ (ANC’s) Aaron Motsoaledi, banning cannabis-based foodstuffs.
The Democratic Alliance (DA), ANC’s biggest partner in the coalition, is wary of the economic implications of the ban.
The DA is upset about it, and the public were not consulted.
“The Minister’s (Aaron Motsoaledi’s) actions also reflect a disturbing trend of ignoring alternative perspectives and solutions,” said Michele Clarke, DA spokesperson on Health.
“Despite the voices of businesses, farmers, and health experts calling for a rational approach to cannabis regulation, the minister stubbornly insists on pursuing policies that disregard both evidence and the public good,” Clarke said.
The global hemp seed market, valued at over US$5 billion (about R92.5 billion) in 2023, is expected to double by 2032, with the food and beverage sector driving much of the growth.
Many countries have integrated hemp into their food industries, and the DA believes South Africa should do the same.
South Africa’s hemp industry has over 1 400 licensed cultivation businesses and 400 small and medium enterprises, hailed for creating jobs and contributing to the local economy.
“The ban, however, risks stifling growth in this sector,” Clarke argued.
The DA has thus called on President Cyril Ramaphosa to reverse the regulation implemented by the health minister.
This is the latest in a string of fallouts in the coalition government that has been at the helm since 2024 after ANC lost its parliamentary majority.
Motsoaledi had similar challenges at Home Affairs where he clashed regularly with refugees, migrants and asylum seekers over formulation of controversial policies they claimed were xenophobic.
– CAJ News