Black farmers rage at diversion of funds to fight foot and mouth disease

Money taken from support programmes

- By Bongani Mdakane

Norma Mbatha

An organisation that represents black farmers has slammed the MEC for agriculture and rural development in Gauteng, accusing her of redirecting R16-million from an agricultural support programme towards efforts at fighting the food and mouth disease (FMD) outbreak.

MEC Vuyiswa Ramokgopa announced on January 15 that funds under the Comprehensive Agricultural Support Programme (Casp) - meant to uplift emerging farmers - would be channelled towards curbing foot and mouth disease in the province.

“Since the onset of the outbreak in Gauteng, 286 857 animals have been vaccinated, while 128925 animals have undergone controlled slaughter at FMD-designated abattoirs. To date, 173 cases have been confirmed across the province. Of these, three cases have been closed following depopulation, while the remaining 170 cases remain under quarantine.

“Despite these constraints, the deprtment has acted decisively by redirecting R16 million from its Casp funded projects to intensify its response to the outbreak. These funds have enabled the province to strengthen surveillance, containment, and biosecurity measures. In addition, a portion has been committed to the procurement of 90000 doses of FMD vaccines from the state-approved manufacturer, the Botswana Vaccine Institute (BVI),” said Ramokgopa.