Maart 2014
110
There’s little room for
error
W
orking closely with genetics, Dr Julian Jaftha is conti-
nuously aware of and driven by the fast changing world
of technology.
As South Africa’s chief director for Plant Production and Health,
Jaftha stands at the core of decision-making on genetically modified
organisms (GMOs) and the misconceptions and controversy sparked
by technology often misunderstood by anxious consumers.
“Although we have come a long way during the past decade or
two, creating awareness among the public on biotechnology is still
an important element of our work,” says Jaftha. “Unsubstantiated
claims are often made on the dangers of GMOs and therefore it
is important for our department to ensure sound, credible and
scientific information.”
According to Jaftha, they try to deal with all interest groups. “We
have to deal with pro-biotechnology and anti-biotechnology people,
while ensuring that we stay at the technology forefront in Africa
and keep up with international industry
leaders.”
Since obtaining a PhD in microbiology
from the University of Pretoria in 2002,
Jaftha has been deeply involved in the
regulatory framework for GMOs and the
multidisciplinary process of scientific
evaluation by an expert panel of
scientists. Employed by the Department
of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries,
his responsibilities include supporting
sustainable plant production in South
Africa through the formulation and
implementation of policies, legislation
and programmes.
He is currently also the chairperson of
the decision-making executive council
established under the Genetically
Modified Organisms Act. “Believe it or
not, there was a time that I even had to
act as director as well as registrar,” says
Jaftha.
According to him, both the Agricultural
Sector Plan and the National Bio-
technology Strategy of South Africa
acknowledge the contribution that
biotechnology can make in achieving
a globally competitive, profitable and
sustainable agricultural sector. “Bio-
technology offers the opportunity to
increase production in a sustainable
manner, thereby reducing poverty and
food insecurity, whilst maintaining the
natural resource base,” he notes.
The Genetically Modified Organisms
Act of 1997 and Genetically Modified
Organisms Amendment Act of 2006 ensure the safe use of bio-
technology in South Africa. “The Act aims to ensure that all activities
involving genetically modified organisms are carried out in such a
way as to limit possible harmful consequences to human and animal
health, the environment and even the South African trade and
industry,” Jaftha points out.
Unknown field
At school in Eersterust, Pretoria, Jaftha was fascinated by the world
of science.
“Although I knew that I would like to study science, I had no idea
that I would become involved in the field. When you undertake a
degree in biological sciences, you seldom know where you’ll end up
some day.”
He agrees that his post-graduate studies in microbiology and his
interest in the world of genetics, paved the way for his career move.
RELEVANT
JOHANN VAN ZYL,
SA Graan/Grain
contributor
Recently, at a GM crops and food safety symposium held in Pretoria, Dr Pieter Mulder, deputy
minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF), stressed that a carefully constructed
mixture of interventions and innovation is required to ensure food security and the sustain-
able economic contribution by the agricultural sector.
“Within the context of agriculture, biotechnology has an important role to play as it offers the
opportunity to increase production in a sustainable manner,” Mulder said. “With the enor-
mous number of food insecure countries in Africa, we do not have the luxury of being in-
fluenced by emotional, unscientific propaganda. We need sound decision-making based on
scientific research and combined with comprehensive regulatory mechanisms.”
According to Dr Julian Jaftha, chief director: Plant Production and Health of the DAFF, South
Africa’s GMO Act provides for a multidisciplinary process of scientific evaluation by an expert
panel of scientists.
“An advisory committee with vast scientific expertise limit the unsafe use of GMO technology
in the country,” Jaftha said.
In 2005, the World Health Organisation (WHO) issued an opinion on the safety aspects of food
derived from biotechnology, which included that:
GM foods currently available are not likely to present risks for human health any more
than conventional foods.
The global risk-assessment guidelines are thought to be adequate for the safety assess-
ment of GM foods.
AfricaBio points out that not a single substantiated case of harm caused by the consumption
of officially approved GM products has been reported in South Africa since it was launched
almost two decades ago.
The area in South Africa under GM crop production was estimated at 2,9 million hectares in
2012. About 86% of the total maize produced in the country is biotech, 90% of all soybeans
and 100% of cotton. It is also estimated that local farm income benefited by US$932 million
for the period of 1996 to 2011.
Interventions and innovations needed
SA Graan/Grain
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