EFF Criticises Government Foot‑and‑Mouth Disease Update
What the Officials Presented
During Tuesday’s Portfolio Committee on Agriculture meeting, Deputy Director‑General Dipepeneneng Serage and Chief Director Dr Botlhe Modisane told MPs that Foot‑and‑Mouth Disease (FMD) cases are climbing. They explained the rise mainly as a result of earlier under‑reporting and said the country has enough vaccine doses to handle the outbreaks. Both officials admitted they are not happy with the current pace of response, blaming slow vaccine registration and reliance on imported shots.
EFF’s Main Objections
Rising Numbers Cannot Be Ignored
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) pointed out that reported cases jumped from 932 on 2 March to 1 502 by 17 April. In the Free State infections rose from 277 to 414, and in North West they more than doubled from 119 to 268. The party argues that this steady increase is more than just better reporting—it shows the disease is still spreading.
Vaccine Wastage Raises Alarm
The report noted a 6‑8 % loss of vaccines due to leaky bottles, breakages, and logistical hiccups. In real terms that means between 147 000 and 196 000 doses could be wasted. For a fast‑moving outbreak, the EFF says this is a serious planning and distribution failure, not a minor slip‑up.
Missing Movement Controls
Officials said movement control measures are still “being considered.” The EFF stresses that without clear rules on livestock movement, vaccination alone cannot stop the virus. They demand a detailed plan with enforcement timelines.
Perceived Provincial Bias
The Western Cape remained steady at 13 cases, the only province showing no new outbreaks. The EFF notes that this province is governed by the Democratic Alliance (DA), while the hardest‑hit areas are under other parties. They call for a transparent explanation of how vaccines and resources are being allocated across regions.
Government’s Response
Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen dismissed the EFF’s critique as “grandstanding on myths.” He said the Western Cape has received the fewest vaccines because it faces the lowest risk, and that distribution follows a science‑based, risk‑assessed plan set by the Ministerial Task Team.
Conclusion
The EFF urges the government to adopt a clear, data‑driven strategy that includes:
- Full transparency in vaccine procurement and delivery
- Better coordination to make sure every dose is used
- Immediate, enforceable movement control measures
- A thorough assessment of the outbreak’s economic impact on farmers
Without these steps, the party warns that the disease will continue to spread, threatening both livestock and the livelihoods of South African farmers.
