North West Premier Lazarus Mokgosi encouraged farmers within the province, on Friday, 06 March 2026 in Middelkraal, to vaccinate their animals to mitigate and control the spread of Foot and Mouth Disease.
In a coordinated provincial response to protect livestock, support farmers and safeguard the agricultural sector, Mokgosi was joined by MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development Madoda Sambatha and Sibanye-Stillwater Vice President for Stakeholder Relations Dr Oupa Nkagisang during the vaccination drive.
“It is now critical for farmers to protect their animals and the North West economy by adhering to FMD protocols. Government is here to support you, so it is imperative that you report any suspicious symptoms promptly. While controlling the movement of animals in communal settings may be challenging, we appeal to farmers to limit animal movement as much as possible to protect the provincial economy, which relies significantly on the agricultural sector,” said Mokgosi.
The vaccination rollout follows the announcement by President Cyril Ramaphosa declaring the FMD outbreak a National Disaster in February 2026 to unlock emergency resources.The province is ranked fourth in South Africa for the total number of confirmed outbreaks and has been allocated 100,000 doses of the FMD vaccine as part of the national mass vaccination campaign.
To date, a total of 23 193 hoofed animals have been vaccinated using the Biogenesis Bago FMD Virus Vaccine.
The vaccination programmes and strategy are expected to continue in four districts of the province.
“State veterinarians and animal health technicians have been deployed to expedite the
implementation of the vaccination strategy, targeting farms and villages within a 5 km radius of infected animals and prioritising animals that are currently negative but remain at risk.
“This targeted approach aligns with the national objective of vaccinating 90% of the cattle population.
Dr Nkagisang emphasised the importance of sustainable development initiatives beyond mining.
“Mining will not be here forever. We need projects that are sustainable, such as agriculture. We have been working closely with government institutions to ensure that former mineworkers and residents of Marikana can grow and develop within the agricultural sector. Beekeeping and horticulture are among the projects we have supported,” stated the Sibanye-Stillwater Vice President for Stakeholder Relations.
Suspected cases should be reported immediately to the nearest State Veterinary Office or to any of the following officials for assistance and follow-up:
- Head Office (Veterinary Services): Dr. Madyibi – 066 190 9190
- Veterinary Public Health (Abattoirs): Dr. Kgatswetswe – 066 141 6329
- Ngaka Modiri Molema District: Dr. Mosenogi – 066 141 6838
- Bojanala District: Dr. Makgatho – 066 054 9492
- Dr. Kenneth Kaunda District: Dr. Dakwa – 066 141 6472
- Dr. Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District: Dr. Manombe – 066 141 6475
Farmers are also welcome to visit their local State Veterinary offices within their municipalities for on-site advice, inspections and disease control support.
The vaccination drive is expected to target farms and villages within a 5 km radius of infected animals, concentrating on those with negative animals at risk.
According to the department this approach aligns with the national goal of vaccinating 90% of the cattle population.
“As more doses arrive, we will expand coverage to ensure that no sector is left behind. Villages are a critical focus area because communal farming practices, often without biosecurity measures such as fencing, make them a key link in the spread of FMD.
“Animals from these villages frequently enter auctions and are later moved to backgrounding farms and feedlots. By vaccinating here, we aim to establish herd immunity and cut off this vital link in the epidemiology of the disease.”
