The majority of the affected farms are located in Marquard and Viljoenskroon, while cases on one farm in Bethlehem recently tested positive for FMD. 

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Didiza held a meeting with the Free State’s premier, Sisi Ntombela, on Monday 22 August 2022. 

See PODCAST below

The spokesperson of the premier, Palesa Chubisi, shares that the meeting was aimed at soliciting the help of the provincial government and to explain the 21-day ban on the movement of cattle, which will be reviewed on a weekly basis by the government.

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Other MECs who were present at the meeting were the provincial MECs for Agriculture and Rural Development; Economic Development, Small Business, Tourism and Environmental Affairs and Finance.

Chubisi says that Ntombela views the outbreak of FMD in the province in a serious light. 

“The premier indicated that they view the disease in a very serious light. Of course, the province was aware of the outbreak in April, but now if you look at the infection rate -  it is a serious concern. So, part of what the premier was saying is that the province would really have to move very fast to up communication, especially to communities. Most importantly about the implications of the disease.”

Money to acquire FMD vaccines 

It was also revealed during the meeting that about R15 million is needed for FMD vaccinations. “The premier has committed that the province will see how best they can reallocate the monies that are there to have the budget to fight this foot-and-mouth disease.”

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Meanwhile, another meeting will be convened on 23 August 2022 between Ntombela and all the province’s MECs and mayors in the respective municipalities, said Chubisi.

Report illegal movement of cattle

Meanwhile, the public has been requested to report people who are moving live cattle in and around the Northern Cape illegally, to the police or the state vet unit.

This request by the provincial Department of Agriculture, Environmental Affairs, Rural Development and Land Reform comes after a 21-day ban on the movement of cattle was announced by the national Department of Agriculture, due to increased positive cases of FMD in the country. 

The spokesperson for the Northern Cape department, Zandisile Luphala, says that so far the province has not reported any cases of FMD.

“We call on members of the public to assist us by reporting those they suspect to be moving live cattle in and around their establishments. Anyone who suspects or becomes aware of the movements of live cattle, is required by law to inform the police’s stock theft unit or our state veterinary unit.

"Furthermore, the cooperation from the industry and all stakeholders in the province is of utmost importance,” said MEC Mase Manopole.

Contact numbers to report illegal movement of cattle in the Northern Cape: 

1. State Veterinary Office: 083 291 9974
2. Stock Theft Unit: 10111

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