At the recent Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) Indaba, Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen delivered a powerful and pragmatic opening address, striking at the heart of South Africa’s livestock health crisis. The Indaba, attended by veterinary professionals, farmers, provincial representatives, and policy makers, comes at a crucial moment for a sector battered by outbreaks, economic setbacks, and institutional disarray.
Steenhuisen’s speech was not only a call to action but a roadmap for reform. With urgency and honesty, he addressed the structural weaknesses in South Africa’s disease control efforts, emphasising the need for modernisation, regionalisation, public-private collaboration, and investment in science.
A System Under Strain: The Cost of Foot-and-Mouth Disease Mismanagement
The Minister acknowledged the elephant in the room — South Africa’s response to FMD has been inadequate. Recent outbreaks highlighted glaring issues:
- Delayed vaccine response
- Poor intergovernmental coordination
- Export restrictions that punished the entire nation for localised outbreaks
- Eroding trust in state capacity
He declared: “We cannot continue managing Foot-and-Mouth Disease outbreaks with outdated structures and fragmented authority… We need a science-based, constitutionally aligned, and practically implementable approach.”
1. Regionalisation: From Policy Dream to Practical Implementation
Steenhuisen made it clear — South Africa must regionalise its disease control framework, and fast. Unlike other exporting nations, SA lacks clearly defined and internationally recognised disease zones. This has led to sweeping trade bans even when outbreaks are isolated.
To lead this transformation, he appointed two senior veterinarians:
- Dr Emily Mogajane
- Dr Nomsa Mnisi
Their mission?
- Define and operationalise regional disease zones
- Support provinces in fulfilling their responsibilities under the Animal Health Act
- Improve the country’s capacity to handle export-import veterinary protocols
2. Vaccine Security: Industry Must Step Up
Vaccine availability — or the lack thereof — was a major failure during the last outbreak. South Africa’s FMD vaccine bank was depleted, forcing emergency imports from Botswana. The local vaccine producer, Onderstepoort Biological Products (OBP), simply wasn’t prepared.
Government plans to:
- Stabilise OBP
- Secure forward-looking vaccine contracts
- Build minimum stock levels before the next outbreak
But Steenhuisen was clear: “The State cannot do this alone.”
He urged the red meat, dairy, and game sectors to co-finance vaccine procurement. A nationally managed but jointly funded vaccine bank is the goal — not just for Foot-and-Mouth Disease, but also lumpy skin disease, brucellosis, Rift Valley Fever and others.
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3. Infrastructure: Enabling Control with Feedlots and Abattoirs
In regions such as Limpopo, KwaZulu-Natal, and Mpumalanga, illegal animal movement remains a threat — often due to a lack of local abattoirs and feedlots.
The Department will now allocate funds to build these facilities within protection zones. These infrastructures will:
- Deter illegal trade
- Enable proper disease movement control
- Stimulate rural job creation
4. Science & Research: Strengthening South Africa’s Biosecurity Future
Minister Steenhuisen championed a scientific renaissance in South Africa’s livestock health sector.
He highlighted:
- The Agricultural Research Council (ARC) is in financial recovery, recording its first surplus in a decade.
- Partnerships with the University of Pretoria’s Biosecurity Hub will be strengthened.
- Statutory levies may be earmarked for R&D focused on animal health and climate resilience.
He called for industry-funded innovation, matching government investment to elevate South Africa’s research to global standards.
A United Vision: Collaboration Over Blame
“This Indaba is not about apportioning blame,” the Minister affirmed. “It is about fixing what has gone wrong.”
He outlined a unified vision for:
- Stronger provincial implementation
- Clear national coordination
- Empowered veterinary professionals
- A private sector committed to biosecurity
To cement these goals, a dedicated implementation team will soon consolidate Indaba insights into a practical, time-bound action plan.
Reactive to Proactive
Minister Steenhuisen’s address underscored the gravity of the moment — but also the opportunity. South Africa’s livestock sector is at a crossroads. The cost of inaction is steep, but with decisive reforms, strategic partnerships, and scientific investment, a resilient, competitive, and globally trusted animal health system is within reach.
“Let us commit – not only in theory, but also in budget lines and action plans – to building a livestock economy that is competitive, credible and secure.”
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