DA raises alarm over failure to allocate commonage in Slabbert FMD threat

Note to Editors: Please find attached English and Sesotho soundbites by Cllr Sello Makoena and Afrikaans soundbite by Cllr Marius Marais. See attached picture here.

The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Dihlabeng has written to the municipality to address the continued failure to allocate a proper commonage site for small-scale and emerging farmers in Slabbert, particularly at a time when South Africa is battling a serious outbreak of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD).

This failure has forced residents to keep livestock such as cattle, pigs, and goats within residential areas, creating a dangerous situation that threatens both public health and agricultural sustainability.

FMD is a highly contagious viral illness affecting livestock, spreading rapidly through direct contact between animals and contaminated environments. The lack of designated grazing land increases uncontrolled animal movement, significantly heightening the risk of disease transmission.

Recent reports indicate that the spread of FMD across several provinces has already caused major economic losses, disrupted farming operations, and placed food security under pressure. In many areas, poorly managed commonage and uncontrolled livestock movement have been identified as key risk factors in accelerating the spread of the disease.

The situation in Slabbert is therefore not only a local governance failure but a direct threat to provincial and national efforts to contain the outbreak.

The DA notes with serious concern:

• The absence of a formally allocated and serviced commonage for small-scale farmers.
• The increasing number of livestock roaming within residential areas.
• The heightened risk of disease transmission due to a lack of control measures.
• The municipality’s continued inaction despite repeated reports and warnings.

This neglect undermines local economic development and destroys the hopes of small-scale farmers who depend on access to commonage for their livelihoods.

The DA calls on the municipality to:

1. Urgently identify and allocate suitable land for commonage in Slabbert.
2. Implement strict livestock control and movement measures.
3. Work with agricultural authorities to mitigate the spread of FMD.
4. Engage affected communities and farmers to provide immediate relief and long-term solutions.
5. Failure to act decisively will not only worsen the spread of FMD but also further collapse already-struggling rural economies.

The DA will continue to exercise oversight and hold the municipality accountable until a sustainable solution is implemented.