The South African agricultural sector is facing a crisis as the government’s delays in implementing a foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) vaccination scheme continue to mount. The Gauteng High Court, Pretoria, has granted the government a postponement to enable Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen to publish a vaccination scheme under section 10 of the Animal Diseases Act. However, Judge Corrie van der Westhuizen has ordered that this must be done by May 5, with the urgent application set to be heard on May 11.
Foot-and-Mouth Disease Outbreak
The FMD outbreak has been declared a national emergency by the government, with farmers urging urgent action to prevent further losses. The court’s decision to grant a punitive cost against the government reflects the gravity of the situation. This is the second time the urgent proceedings have been postponed due to the government’s lack of preparedness.
The matter was initially set to be heard on March 24, but was postponed to allow the minister to promulgate and publish the intended animal health scheme relating to FMD by no later than April 17. However, this deadline was not met, and the minister and departmental officials have requested more time to finalize the scheme.
Opposition to Postponement
Sakeliga, SAAI, and Free State Agriculture, who launched the urgent proceedings, have vehemently opposed the postponement. Counsel for the applicants argued that the government is wasting their time, while animals are dying and the government has the means to save them by allowing for private vaccinations. The government’s stance is that FMD vaccination must be centrally controlled, as unregulated private vaccination could affect disease management efforts.
According to Mooketsa Ramasodi, the director general of agriculture, some errors were picked up regarding the draft regulations, which had to be re-evaluated before it could be sent to the minister for his signature and publication, thus the delay. He assured the court that the process is being prioritized with a view of finalizing the scheme.
Here are some key points to consider:
- The FMD outbreak has been declared a national emergency by the government.
- The government’s delays in implementing a vaccination scheme have been criticized by farmers and the court.
- The court has granted a punitive cost against the government for its lack of preparedness.
- The minister has been ordered to publish a vaccination scheme under section 10 of the Animal Diseases Act by May 5.
