South Africa: Govt Prohibits Use of Asbestos. Allafrica, 27 March 2008.Environmental Affairs and Tourism Minister Marthinus van Schalkwyk has announced that the use, manufacture and processing of asbestos will be prohibited in South Africa with immediate effect.The Regulations for the Prohibition of the Use, Manufacturing, Import and Export of Asbestos and Asbestos Containing Materials will be promulgated on 28 March and will take effect immediately, said the minister during a media briefing on Thursday.The regulations form part of the Environment Conservation Act 1989. [See]. See also: Asbestos ban takes effect & Union supports asbestos ban. See also previous related new, From Ana Digón: Asbestos, The Hidden Killer. Image from Spanish notice. Watch videos in Read more.