From unrelenting growth to purposeful development “buen vivir”: New approaches, new solutions

Cheryllyn Dudley MP ACDP             

National Assembly Debate

Tues 12 March 2013

The Inter-Parliamentary Union’s 128th Assembly will take place in Quito, (Ecuador), from 22 to 27 March 2013. The overall theme of the general debate is: From unrelenting growth to purposeful development “Buen Vivir”, New Approaches, new solutions.

From unrelenting growth to purposeful development - "Buen Vivir," translated 'good living' – in this context, is an alternative concept of development.  It is - living in harmony with other people and with nature and eliminates the separation between nature and society.

One area where South Africa has seemed ‘hell-bent’ on growth while determined, despite considerable risk, to ignore the concerns of people - is genetic modification.  Genetically Modified Organisms have produced unrelenting growth and we have witnessed technological leaps forward in many fields, from mosquito 'de-arming' to the new GM flu vaccine.  Many scientists however, question the wisdom of taking risks where GM foodstuffs are concerned.  

Inadequate risk assessment and approval procedures in South Africa are fuelling concerns that long term health impacts for people who eat maize every day could be seriously problematic.  The particular maize in question is Monsanto's Round-up Ready Maize NK603 which constitutes 40% - nearly half of South Africa's maize crop.  My understanding is that no other government has allowed its staple food to be genetically modified and the ACDP has called on government to examine relevant findings.  The ACDP has also called for a debate on this subject, which has implications for other GMOs on the market. 

It is widely acknowledged that the safety data prepared by the manufacturer, on which our government based its approval, is nowhere near as robust as the new French study, recently published, which shows it could be seriously hazardous. The usual 3-month tests show no risk but the peer reviewed and applauded French study showed significant development of cancerous tumours after four months. When carried out over the full lifespan of rats, tests showed disturbingly high mortality rates and severe impacts on kidney and liver functioning. In addition to this, the pesticide that is always paired with this GM maize called glyphosate, also marketed by Monsanto, showed impacts on liver, kidneys and mammary gland functioning. 

The ACDP, in response to concerns raised by the African Centre for Biosafety and others, has been calling for an immediate ban on the import and cultivation of this GMO maize. Our GMO law, and the international law, is based on the Precautionary Principle; "when there is possibility of harm all activities must be stopped, even in the face of scientific uncertainty". 

Our staple food is being compromised by GMO’s and government’s lack of response is very disturbing.  

The ACDP supports the concept of moving from unrelenting growth to purposeful and safe development, new approaches and new solutions which is the subject of this IPU debate.