By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
As outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) continue to threaten South Africa, The Department of Agriculture will host a high-level national FMD Indaba from 21 to 22 July 2025.
The two-day Indaba will take place at the ARC-VIMP Campus in Roodeplaat, comes in response to ongoing FMD outbreaks across several provinces — including KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga, Gauteng, and most recently, the Free State.
The outbreak in the Free State is part of a larger crisis affecting South Africa, where a staggering 270 FMD outbreaks have been reported across five provinces as of July.
“Eastern Cape has recorded 40 outbreaks, with 38 still open and two resolved. There have been no new reported cases in Eastern Cape since September 2024. KwaZulu-Natal has been the most affected province, with 191 reported outbreaks, of which 172 remain active and 19 have been resolved,” said the department.
“Since May 2025, Gauteng has reported 32 outbreaks, North West has four open outbreaks, while Mpumalanga has reported three outbreaks,” it added.
In late June, South Africa launched its FMD vaccination campaign, with over 900,000 jabs ordered and valued at over 70 million rand.
Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen and Deputy Minister Nokuzola Capa will co-host the Indaba.
“Having already inflicted significant damage to the multibillion-rand livestock sector, the disease continues to threaten South Africa’s broader economy, “said Steenhuisen.
“The Indaba presents a vital opportunity to unite expertise and resources to eradicate this devastating disease.”
The event will focus on developing a coordinated and comprehensive response to FMD, with key strategies including the strengthening of farm-level biosecurity, implementing effective vaccination programmes and enforcing strict animal movement controls.
“The Department of Agriculture, in collaboration with the ARC, remains firmly committed to finding sustainable solutions. This Indaba is a crucial step in the fight against FMD,” Steenhuisen added.
The current outbreak marks another serious setback for an industry already under pressure.
Beefmaster Group, a leading beef producer and exporter, warns that the unchecked spread of FMD is exposing critical enforcement failures and placing enormous strain on farmers and processors trying to survive in an already volatile economic environment.
“We understand why some in the industry are taking risks to move cattle despite restrictions,” said Roelie van Reenen, Supply Chain Executive at Beefmaster Group. “If there isn’t a market for your animals and you see an opportunity to sell, you’re going to try. But this is economic suicide for the entire industry.”
Van Reenen highlights the extreme volatility in beef and weaner prices, citing erratic consumer demand and supply chain disruptions linked to the FMD outbreak. These fluctuations are unsettling producers, retailers, and consumers alike.
“There are no winners in this situation. Without coordinated action, we risk losing valuable market share both locally and internationally due to declining confidence in South Africa’s red meat industry.”