House Chairperson, the ACDP notes that this report confirms that farmers in the Fezile Dabi District in the Free State have suffered devastating losses, with one farmer reporting losses of up to R40 million due to delayed vaccination and poor preparedness by provincial authorities.
This report must not become another exercise in documenting failure without demanding accountability. The ACDP was appalled to see the irrational blocking of private veterinarians from distributing FMD (Foot-and-Mouth) vaccines, despite the vets’ proven capacity to vaccinate thousands of animals daily.
This absurd restriction delayed the roll-out and worsened the outbreak.
The committee’s findings expose the consequences of delayed intervention: inertia, weak disease surveillance, and insufficient support to affected farmers.
These are not abstract administrative shortcomings. They translate to animals being destroyed, businesses losing income, and communities carrying the economic burden of government’s failures.
As the ACDP, we must ask: “Where is the urgency? Where is the accountability? And where is the measurable plan to prevent another outbreak?”
The ACDP was scathing in its criticism of the former Minister, Steenhuisen’s mishandling of the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak, which exposed serious gaps in surveillance and response systems.
We proposed a coordinated national vaccination programme and now call for rapid testing and vaccination where appropriate, improved movement controls, and the provision of timely, transparent support to farmers.
As Kingdom Builders, the ACDP calls for decisive action, proper resourcing, and regular reporting to Parliament. Farmers cannot be expected to carry the cost of systemic state failure.
The time for reactive crisis management is over. We need prevention, preparedness, and accountability.
Thank you, Chair.
