Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen has formally appointed the Foot-and-Mouth disease (FMD) Industry Coordination Council to support the implementation of South Africa’s national strategy to contain and control the disease.
The appointment follows last week’s announcement of the national FMD strategy to contain and control foot-and-mouth disease.
The council aims to ensure that the industry plays an active and coordinated role in supporting the phased rollout of the FMD strategy, including vaccine distribution, traceability systems and disease-control readiness.
Steenhuisen said the council will engage directly with him and its input will be taken seriously.
“Government cannot do this alone. We need the full strength of the private sector, farmers and veterinarians collaborating with us. We now have a roadmap and I am accountable for its delivery. If we stay focused and work together, I believe we can restore FMD-free status in less than 10 years,” the Minister said in a statement.
The council will form one part of a triangular partnership comprising the:
• Department of Agriculture - responsible for policy, regulatory support and resourcing;
• Technical and Scientific Task Team - offering scientific, veterinary and epidemiological expertise, and
• FMD Industry Coordination Council - providing operational insight, strategic guidance and unified industry input.
To ensure a coordinated approach with industry, Steenhuisen has issued a directive assigning the council the role of aligning industry efforts with national FMD control measures.
This includes establishing and operating an industry coordination mechanism to mobilise sector actions; consolidating industry situational information; coordinating industry communication, and supporting implementation readiness for traceability and audit-ready record-keeping required for animal movement compliance and compartmentalised operations.
The council will also facilitate non-statutory logistical support, including training, awareness initiatives and implementation monitoring, and will engage regularly with both the department and the Technical and Scientific Task Team to ensure alignment between policy, implementation and veterinary oversight.
The council’s members have committed to a collective outcome that serves both the industry and national interests.
The members are Johann Kotzé, Bennie van Zyl, Theo Boshoff, Frikkie Maré, Fanie Ferreira, Marlene Louw, Bongani Msimang, Kobus Bester and Dewald Olivier.
The council has begun its work this week, with its first formal meeting focused on aligning priorities and consolidating industry input. Weekly engagements will follow to maintain momentum, support structured monitoring and ensure consistent progress.
Steenhuisen said the regular meetings will strengthen the council’s ability to present coherent, unified recommendations to government and the Technical and Scientific Task Team.
The council has also requested an urgent meeting with the Technical and Scientific Task Team to review the national plan and ensure operational alignment across industry and government structures, a step seen as critical to refining the roadmap ahead of intensified implementation.
“With aligned structures, consistent communication and disciplined collaboration, South Africa is better positioned to restore its FMD-free status and strengthen the resilience of the livestock sector,” the Minister said.
The council has welcomed the Minister’s commitment and willingness to work closely with industry, noting this engagement reflects a coordinated, accountable and technically informed approach to implementation. – SAnews.gov.za
