Hannes Pretorius and Riaan Basson (both Shoprite pilots); Dr Ivan Meyer; Adele Kruger-Taljaard; Dr Mogale Sebopetsa and Chris Fourie
Image: Supplied
Western Cape received 100,000 Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) vaccines as Shoprite assisted with delivery of vaccines on Tuesday. While Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen announced the signing of a partnership with Germany to assist in the fight against FMD.
Chris Fourie from Dairy Management Consulting, also a member of the Western Cape Department of Agriculture’s FMD War Room, said that farmers in the Western Cape received a major boost on Tuesday with the arrival of 100,000 Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) vaccinations at Cape Town International Airport.
Fourie added that he approached the Shoprite Group to enquire whether the retailer could assist with urgent transportation of the vaccines from Gauteng to the Western Cape.
He said, “The Group immediately agreed and deployed its company aircraft, which flew to Lanseria earlier today to collect the vaccines and returned to Cape Town on the same day. This is a powerful example of what can be achieved when all role players – including local government and retail – work together in the best interests of our primary industry in order to ensure its survival.”
Fourie said that this swift intervention has enabled the province to bring forward the vaccination programme, providing critical protection to livestock and much-needed reassurance to farmers.
Western Cape Minister of Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism, Dr Ivan Meyer, said that the rapid delivery of these vaccines demonstrates the Western Cape’s unwavering commitment to protecting our agricultural sector.
He said, “I want to thank our partners in the private sector for stepping up when it mattered most. By working together, we are safeguarding livelihoods, strengthening biosecurity, and ensuring that our farmers receive the urgent support they need.”
Premier Alan Winde said that all of this progress is made possible through collaboration. “This coordinated effort is made possible by support from key stakeholders, including the Milk Producers Organisation, Red Meat Producers, Milk SA, Agri Western Cape and Shoprite. We will continue to intensify the response plan to protect this critical sector of our economy,” he said.
The Department of Agriculture said that Minister Steenhuisen and the Federal Minister of Agriculture, Food and Regional Identity of Germany, Alois Rainer, officially signed a Joint Declaration of Intent on Agricultural Development to enhance bilateral cooperation in the control of foot and mouth disease (FMD) and trade in animal products on Tuesday.
“This agreement marks a significant diplomatic milestone, as it represents the first time in 13 years that a German Minister of Agriculture has visited South Africa. This visit signals a revitalised era of cooperation between the two nations, focusing on the crucial challenges of biosecurity and global trade,” it said.
Minister Steenhuisen said that as South Africa navigates a relentless FMD outbreak, this partnership provides a vital lifeline of technical expertise and innovation.
He said, “We are deeply appreciative of the German government’s commitment to this partnership. To welcome my German counterpart to South African soil for the first time in over a decade underscores the weight of this agreement. This is not just a document; it is a powerful tool that will help safeguard our livestock industry and secure the livelihoods of our farmers.”
The Department said that parties have identified five core areas of focus to be implemented under the declaration:
Steenhuisen concluded that this collaboration goes beyond immediate crisis management. “It paves the way for a long-term exchange of expertise, trade development, skills enhancement, and the integration of cutting-edge technology and innovation in agriculture."
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