Food security and public health are increasingly at risk as the issue of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) continues to escalate across Africa. While political and economic challenges often dominate discussions, the threat posed by food colonialism is a growing concern, particularly in nations like Zimbabwe. Despite the country’s ban on GMOs, implemented to protect its citizens, the illegal importation of these products persists, fueling significant public health concerns. Leading the charge in raising awareness of this issue is Rutendo Matinyarare, a Zimbabwean activist who has become a prominent voice in the fight against GMO infiltration.
Zimbabwe’s ban on GMOs, which prohibits the importation and sale of genetically modified foods for human consumption, was introduced in response to the nation’s experiences during the land reform era and subsequent sanctions. At that time, the country faced severe agricultural disruptions due to a lack of fertilizers, machinery, and capital. This led to a reliance on imported maize meal, predominantly from South Africa, which coincided with a troubling rise in cancer rates. Matinyarare, along with other experts, has pointed to this period as the beginning of a concerning trend in public health. While government officials have privately acknowledged a correlation between GMO imports and the increase in cancers, public admission remains limited. Nonetheless, the government has maintained a ban on GMOs for human consumption, although certain exceptions are occasionally made for the use of GMO maize in animal feed.
Despite these regulations, leading companies such as Innscor, in partnership with South Africa’s Tiger Brands, have allegedly bypassed the law by smuggling GMO products into Zimbabwe. Rutendo Matinyarare has been instrumental in bringing this to public attention, accusing these corporations of prioritising profit over public safety. Independent tests conducted on products from companies like Innscor, Blue Ribbon, and Sturpo revealed the presence of glyphosate, a toxic chemical banned in over 30 countries due to its carcinogenic properties. The illegal importation of such products not only breaches national law but also introduces harmful substances into the country’s food supply, posing a direct threat to public health.
South Africa, a major producer of GMOs, ranks as the seventh-largest GM crop area globally, with 3.3 million hectares under cultivation in 2023. Maize dominates this area, accounting for 66.5% of GM crops. Since the introduction of GM maize in 1999, adoption rates have fluctuated, reaching over 90% in 2018 before declining to 85.1% in 2023. A significant portion (60.4%) of maize grown in South Africa is from stacked gene varieties, with herbicide-tolerant crops making up 18.7%. These figures highlight the extensive reach of GMOs in the region and their likely impact on neighbouring countries such as Zimbabwe.
The growing incidence of cancer across Africa further shows the urgency of addressing this issue. According to the Cancer Atlas, a comprehensive report from the American Cancer Society and other organisations, cervical cancer rates have surged by 80% in Zimbabwe and 36% in South Africa. Additionally, breast and prostate cancer rates have doubled in both countries over the past 15 years. While these increases are likely attributable to multiple factors, lifestyle and dietary changes, particularly the rise in GMO consumption, are believed to play a significant role. The link between glyphosate, a chemical commonly found in GMO crops, and cancer is well-documented, with studies showing a 70% increase in tumors in rats fed glyphosate-laden GMOs. Furthermore, human studies indicate a similar correlation, with the rise of chronic diseases such as diabetes, Alzheimer’s, and autism tracking closely with the increased use of GMOs in food production.
Zimbabwe’s high cancer rates, now among the worst in the world, are particularly alarming. The connection between the illegal importation of GMO products and the subsequent health crisis cannot be ignored. According to Rutendo Matinyarare, the companies involved in smuggling GMO products into Zimbabwe did so fully aware of the potential harm their actions could cause, yet they continued to prioritise profit over public health. This gross violation of the law and disregard for human life has prompted calls for action, with citizens urging the government to hold these companies accountable and end the smuggling of toxic food products.
Matinyarare continues to advocate for more stringent testing and enforcement, ensuring that only non-GMO products are available on the market. His tireless efforts have not only shed light on the illegal practices of major corporations but also highlight the importance of food safety for the country’s future.
The issue at hand is not just about illegal imports; it reflects a deeper problem of food sovereignty in Africa. The infiltration of multinational corporations into the continent’s food systems, often backed by corrupt officials, poses a significant threat to local health and autonomy. The rising cancer rates, coupled with the dominance of GMO crops in Africa call for stricter enforcement of food regulations and greater public awareness about the potential health risks associated with GMOs.
Rutendo Matinyarare’s activism against GMO infiltration in Zimbabwe is not simply about food safety, it’s a struggle against the broader implications of food colonialism. African nations must regain control over their food systems, ensuring that their populations are protected from harmful foreign influences. By addressing the illegal importation of GMOs and holding corporations accountable for their actions, Zimbabwe and other nations can begin to safeguard their food security and public health.
The situation calls for immediate action. Protecting Zimbabwe’s population from harmful food products, enforcing GMO bans, and resisting the influence of multinational corporations are vital steps in ensuring the country’s food sovereignty and public health. Matinyarare’s ongoing fight to secure safe and healthy food for Zimbabweans must remain a priority, not only for today but for the future generations whose well-being depends on it.
