NEASA raises concerns over South Africa’s involvement in WHO Pandemic Treaty

The National Employers’ Association of South Africa (NEASA) has raised questions regarding South Africa’s involvement in the World Health Organization’s (WHO) proposed pandemic treaty. In an open letter to the President dated April 12, 2022, NEASA requested confirmation and clarity on the extent of the country’s participation in the treaty, as mentioned in various WHO press releases and newsletters.

The organisation’s president Gerhard Papenfus, has a reputation for aggressive defences of the private rights of citizens, particularly their liberty and right to private property.

Despite NEASA’s request, no response has been received from the President. This silence has raised speculation about whether it is due to the country’s current challenges or a deliberate avoidance of a significant question.

The proposed treaty is swiftly moving towards reality, evident from the European Union Council’s decision on March 3, 2022, to authorize negotiations for an international agreement on pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response. The Intergovernmental Negotiating Body (INB) responsible for drafting this agreement is set to convene by August 1, 2022, to discuss a working draft. The aim is to adopt the treaty by 2024, with a progress report due at the 76th World Health Assembly in 2023.

South Africa’s role in these negotiations is noteworthy, with Precious Matsoso, former Director-General of the Department of Health, appointed as co-chair of the global INB. Matsoso represents Africa on a bureau alongside representatives from other countries. This bureau is tasked with developing a working draft by August 2022.

However, concerns have been raised about the potential implications of this treaty on South Africa’s sovereignty. While the country is a signatory to the International Health Regulations (2005) and a member state of the WHO, signing the pandemic treaty could potentially undermine its sovereignty over health regulations and executive decisions.

NEASA has pledged to monitor these developments closely and keep South Africans informed. The association warns against complacency towards what they see as potential threats to freedom posed by the WHO’s pandemic treaty.

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