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April 2026 Agri News: SA Agriculture Carves a New Path

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April 2026 Agri News: SA Agriculture Carves a New Path

The April 2026 edition of Agri News marks a turning point. Our industry is no longer just the “backbone” of the economy—it is commanding it. Despite a “geopolitical storm,” South African producers are demonstrating a masterclass in resilience and strategic diversification across the country.

National Agri Exports: Breaking Records

South African agricultural exports hit a historic R268.7 billion last quarter. Despite new 30% U.S. tariffs, a strategic pivot to the East has sparked a 31% surge in BRIC+ exports, including zero-tariff stone fruit to China. The sector now generates R341 million in foreign exchange daily and supports over 950,000 jobs.

The Offensive Against Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD)

The national strategy has shifted from defense to an all-out offensive, with a target to vaccinate 80% of the national herd by December 2026.

Funding & Support: The government has confirmed it will cover 100% of vaccination costs for the national herd.

Education: To empower our producers, a Gratis Bek-en-Klouseer Kursus vir Boere is now available. This training is essential for identifying early symptoms and implementing farm-level biosecurity protocols.

Global Partnerships: A landmark pact with Germany will introduce mRNA vaccine technology to help South Africa regain its “FMD-free” trade status.

Don’t Miss These Features:

Poultry: SA producers now surpass the U.S. and Brazil in technical efficiency (1.41kg feed per 1kg meat), yet face “logistics taxes” and administrative friction.

Macadamias: The sector is leveraging a new 0% China tariff (effective May 1) as a “Value Shield” against global volatility and high shipping surcharges.

SA Ports Reality: Global shipping conflicts have imposed a heavy burden on exporters, with emergency surcharges reaching up to $4,000 (R64,000) per container.

Mark Your Calendar: Upcoming Events

April 14–16: International Buyers Mission (Western Cape) – A vital hub for export networking.

April 22: National Red Meat Industry Day – Dedicated to biosecurity and livestock value chain sustainability.

April 23 – May 2: Bloemskou – One of the country’s oldest and most prestigious agricultural shows.

May 12–15: NAMPO Harvest Day (Bothaville) – The largest agricultural exhibition in the Southern Hemisphere.

Lifestyle & Gear:

This issue celebrates local exploration and practical style. We feature the Interceptor Chelsea Boot, a masterclass in farm-ready resilience with premium leather and steel toe-cap protection. Our lifestyle section also toasts to the industry’s “Wine Wins” and explores meaningful travel experiences that prioritize restoration and connection.

Read the full April Digital Edition here: https://agrinews.co.za/read-online/

Efficiency in Motion: How the R693-Million Malmesbury Bypass Fuels Swartland Agriculture

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Efficiency in Motion: How the R693-Million Malmesbury Bypass Fuels Swartland Agriculture

The Swartland region, long considered a cornerstone of the Western Cape’s agricultural output, received a significant logistical boost this week. On 31 March 2026, Premier Alan Winde and Infrastructure Minister Tertuis Simmers officially inaugurated the Malmesbury Bypass—a 6.7km “greenfield” project representing a R693-million investment. While the road is a marvel of modern engineering, its true value lies in its role as a high-capacity artery for the region’s farmers, agri-processors, and exporters.

Streamlining the Farm-to-Market Supply Chain

For the agricultural sector, time is a perishable commodity. The new bypass provides a direct link from the Hopefield Interchange on the N7 to the R45 (Wellington) and R46 (Riebeek Kasteel) intersection. By allowing heavy freight to circumvent the congested Malmesbury town center, the project significantly reduces travel times for trucks transporting grain, grapes, and livestockSwartland

This “greenfield” route eliminates the stop-and-start nature of urban driving, leading to lower fuel consumption and reduced wear and tear on heavy vehicles. For local producers, these marginal gains in logistics translate into more competitive pricing in both domestic and international markets.

Enhancing Safety and Freight Reliability

The project is more than just a strip of asphalt; it includes five new bridges and a sophisticated grade-separated interchange at the R45/R46 junction. These upgrades are designed to handle the high-volume freight demands of the National Infrastructure Plan 2050 (Strategic Integrated Project 5).

For agricultural transporters, the bypass offers a safer, more predictable environment. By separating heavy agricultural machinery and freight trucks from local passenger traffic, the risk of accidents is mitigated. This reliability is crucial for “just-in-time” delivery schedules, particularly for the delicate fruit and wine exports heading toward the Port of Cape Town or the growing industrial hub at Saldanha Bay.

A Gateway to the Saldanha-Langebaan Corridor

Minister Tertuis Simmers emphasized that this project is a critical component of a larger freight route linking the Saldanha Bay area to the Western Cape’s major inter-regional routes. This creates a strategic advantage for Swartland farmers by opening up more efficient access to the Saldanha Industrial Development Zone (IDZ). As the province pushes toward a “trillion-rand economy,” the ability to move bulk agricultural goods between the hinterland and coastal export points becomes a primary driver of growth.

Fueling Rural Economic Development

Beyond the immediate logistical benefits, the bypass has already stimulated the local economy. The construction phase supported 39 local enterprises and 15 emerging contractors, injecting capital directly into the Swartland community.

As Premier Alan Winde noted, well-maintained infrastructure is the “backbone of a growing economy.” For the agricultural worker and the farm owner alike, the Malmesbury Bypass represents a commitment to rural stability. Improved connectivity ensures that the Swartland remains an attractive destination for agri-investment, ultimately securing existing jobs and creating new opportunities in the secondary agricultural sector.

In an era where logistical efficiency defines success, the Malmesbury Bypass stands as a vital tool for the Western Cape’s farming community, ensuring that the fruits of the Swartland reach the world faster and more safely than ever before.

Update: The Impact of Fuel Price Adjustments on the Agricultural Sector

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Update: The Impact of Fuel Price Adjustments on the Agricultural Sector

As South Africa navigates a period of significant global energy volatility, the agricultural sector is demonstrating its characteristic resilience. Effective today, 1 April 2026, the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources has implemented substantial adjustments to fuel prices, driven by a surge in Brent Crude oil to over $93 per barrel. While these adjustments are considerable, a proactive R6 billion intervention by the National Treasury has provided a critical safety net for producers and consumers alike.

A Decisive Policy Response

In a move widely lauded by industry leaders, Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana announced a temporary R3.00 per liter reduction in the General Fuel Levy (GFL). This emergency measure, effective until 5 May has effectively blunted the impact of what could have been an even steeper climb. Without this reprieve, diesel prices would have surged by over R10 per liter; instead, the net increase was moderated to approximately R7.50 per liter.

AgriSA and Agbiz issued a joint statement welcoming the relief as “important and timely.” Recognizing that fuel constitutes between 12% and 18% of production costs, the organizations noted that this intervention is vital for maintaining the momentum of the current summer harvest and the upcoming winter planting season.

Ensuring Export Continuity

The Citrus Growers’ Association (CGA) is also taking a proactive stance as the 2026 export season begins in earnest. South Africa remains the world’s second-largest citrus exporter, and maintaining the fluidity of the supply chain is a national priority.

CGA CEO Dr. Boitshoko Ntshabele emphasized that while the industry is monitoring logistics closely—with 95% of citrus moving to ports via road—the focus is on “strong coordination and contingency planning.” The CGA is working alongside fuel suppliers and the government to ensure that any isolated supply constraints in rural areas are managed effectively, ensuring that South African fruit continues to reach global markets without major disruption.

Building Long-Term Stability

The current climate has also accelerated discussions on structural improvements to the agricultural economy. Industry bodies are engaging constructively with the government on several medium-term goals:

  • Expanded Diesel Rebates: Proposals to extend the diesel tax refund to 100% for primary producers to further lower input costs.
  • Infrastructure Evolution: A renewed commitment to faster rail reform to diversify transport options.
  • Pricing Transparency: Enhanced visibility of national fuel stocks to ensure market stability and prevent panic buying.

 A Sector in Steady Hands

While the global landscape remains complex, the domestic response has been one of collaboration rather than alarm. By working together, the government and agricultural leaders are not just managing a price hike—they are refining a more responsive and efficient food system. As the 2026 season progresses, the focus remains on leveraging these relief measures to ensure that South African agriculture continues to be a cornerstone of economic growth and food security.

NAMPO 2026 Veerkragtigheid deur Innovasie op Bothaville

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NAMPO 2026 Veerkragtigheid deur Innovasie op Bothaville

Die Suid-Afrikaanse landbousektor berei voor vir die grootste gebeurtenis op sy jaarlikse kalender wanneer die NAMPO Oesdag van 12 tot 15 Mei 2026 by NAMPO Park buite Bothaville plaasvind. In ’n tyd waar produsente onder toenemende druk van klimaatsveranderlikheid, stygende insetkoste en markonsekerheid funksioneer, verskuif die fokus na die kernbeginsel van veerkragtigheid. As die grootste landbouskou in die Suidelike Halfrond, dien NAMPO as ’n platform waar tegnologie, kennis en praktiese oplossings saamkom om landbou vir die toekoms te versterk.

Tegnologie as die dryfveer vir aanpassing

Volgens dr. Dirk Strydom, Besturende Direkteur van NAMPO (Edms) Bpk, gaan veerkragtigheid nie meer net oor oorlewing nie, maar oor die vermoë om aan te pas en volhoubaar winsgewend te bly. Die 2026-skou weerspieël die werklikhede van moderne boerdery, soos kleiner marges en die behoefte om meer presies te boer. Besoekers kan uitsien na nuwe produkbekendstellings, insluitend voertuie tesame met ’n wêreldrekordpoging, asook verskeie nuwe trekkers en demonstrasies van spuitdrones. Die terrein brei ook uit met nuwe geboue en internasionale deelname deur Sjinese en Italiaanse paviljoene.

’n Nuwe benadering tot die vee-afdeling

In die lig van onlangse uitbrekings van bek-en-klouseer, is die besluit geneem dat geen gesplete-hoefdiere vanjaar by NAMPO 2026 toegelaat sal word nie. Die TAU Animal Feeds Vee-arena bied egter ’n aangepaste ervaring wat fokus op die wetenskap en prestasie van lewendehawe eerder as bloot die voorkoms. Nie-risiko diere soos perde, honde en pluimvee sal steeds onder streng biosekuriteitsmaatreëls teenwoordig wees. Telersgenootskappe sal kreatiewe uitstallings aanbied, aangevul deur ’n sterkman-kompetisie om die arena dinamies te hou.

Benewens die kommersiële fokus bied NAMPO ’n ryk sosiale ervaring vir die hele gesin. Die vroueprogram in die Rooi Rose-tent sorg vir inspirasie met bekende gassprekers, terwyl die Nasie in Gesprek-reeks hoëvlak-debatte oor globale landboutemas fasiliteer. Besoekers kan ook die 4×4-baan aandurf of die Graan SA Museum besoek om die bedryf se geskiedenis te verken. Die kulinêre aanbod wissel van tradisionele boerekos by die plaaskombuise tot stalletjies wat deur nie-winsgewende organisasies bedryf word, wat die skou ’n ware gemeenskapsfees maak.

Kaartjies vir NAMPO 2026

Kaartjies vir NAMPO 2026 sal vanaf vroeg-April beskikbaar wees via OpenTickets (www.opentickets.co.za), met afslag vir aanlyn-aankope. Hekke open daagliks om 07:00 en sluit om 17:00. Volledige rigtingaanwysings, parkering en inligting oor die privaat landingstrook is beskikbaar op die NAMPO-webwerf en via die NAMPO-toep.

Besoekers word herinner dat troeteldiere, fietse, selfaangedrewe karre en motorfietse nie op die terrein toegelaat word nie, en dat die beskikbare pendel- en vervoeropsies die maklikste manier is om die terrein te verken. NAMPO Oesdag bly die belangrikste ontmoetingspunt vir landbou in Suid-Afrika – ’n plek waar idees, innovasie en mense
bymekaar kom. In ’n tyd waar produsente onder toenemende druk funksioneer, bied NAMPO 2026 nie net inspirasie nie, maar praktiese oplossings wat help om landbou meer veerkragtig, meer doeltreffend en meer winsgewend te maak.

Billion-Rand Boost for SA’s Agricultural Exports as Durban Port Concessions Awarded

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Billion-Rand Boost for SA’s Agricultural Exports as Durban Port Concessions Awarded

In a move set to drastically enhance South Africa’s agricultural export capacity and lower the cost of doing business for farmers, Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) has announced two landmark concession awards in the Maydon Wharf Precinct of the Port of Durban. The deal, which represents over R1 billion in private-sector investment, is a decisive step toward strengthening the nation’s food security and global trade competitiveness.

The announcement comes at a critical time for the agricultural sector, which has long called for modernized port infrastructure to handle increasing export volumes of perishable and dry bulk goods. By partnering with private-sector experts, TNPA aims to transform the aging Maydon Wharf into a modern, automated logistics hub.

Dedicated Fresh Produce Solutions

A key highlight for the fruit and perishable industry is the appointment of African Port Logistics and Infrastructure (Pty) Ltd, trading as KHOLD, as the preferred bidder for a dedicated fresh produce and break-bulk terminal. With a planned investment of R250 million, KHOLD is tasked with upgrading facilities to ensure that South Africa’s high-value exports reach global markets with minimal delays and maximum quality preservation.

For citrus, table grape, and deciduous fruit growers, this modernization is expected to provide a more reliable gateway, reducing the logistical bottlenecks that have historically plagued the Durban precinct during peak seasons.

Securing the Grain and Dry Bulk Chain

Simultaneously, the BAL SA & Africa Global Logistics Consortium has been named the preferred bidder for a multi-purpose terminal dedicated to agricultural dry bulk. This project involves a significant R810 million capital expenditure commitment to manage and develop facilities capable of handling the heavy demands of the grain and dry bulk trade.

These 25-year “brownfield” concessions follow a model where the private operators finance, design, construct, and operate the facilities before eventually transferring them back to the state. This long-term commitment ensures that the infrastructure remains cutting-edge throughout its tenure, directly benefiting the supply chains that connect local farms to international buyers.

A Strategy for Growth

Dr. Dineo Mazibuko, TNPA General Manager of Commercial Services, emphasized that these awards are a central part of Transnet’s “Reinvent for Growth Strategy”. “These transactions further strengthen Durban’s position as a competitive export platform for agricultural and fresh produce trade,” Mazibuko stated, noting that the goal is an “efficient, terminalized and automated inclusive logistics hub”.

The economic impact is expected to ripple beyond the port. Both bidders have made firm commitments to inclusive growth, specifically targeting the participation of black-owned small enterprises and providing new opportunities for previously disadvantaged individuals within the agricultural value chain.

Next Steps

The preferred bidders are now moving into final negotiations with TNPA to conclude Terminal Operator Agreements (TOAs). For South African farmers, these developments signal a new era of logistical efficiency that could safeguard the industry’s reputation as a world-class exporter for decades to come.

Piet Lotz verpletter Suidelike Halfrond-rekord met 1221 kg-pampoen

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Piet Lotz verpletter Suidelike Halfrond-rekord met 1221 kg-pampoen

Die geskiedenisboeke vir die Suidelike Halfrond is die afgelope naweek op Heidelberg herskryf tydens ’n indrukwekkende kragmeting van landbou-presisie en uithouvermoë. Die jaarlikse Groot Pampoenfees het vanjaar alle verwagtinge oortref toe Piet Lotz ’n pampoen gelewer het wat die skaal op ’n rekordvlak laat stilstaan het.

’n Nuwe mylpaal vir reusepampoene

Lotz se weninskrywing het die skaal op ’n fenomenale 1 221 kg laat stilstaan. Hiermee het hy sy eie Suid-Afrikaanse rekord van 1 120 kg (opgestel in 2025) verpletter. Hierdie pampoen word nou amptelik erken as die swaarste pampoen wat nog ooit in die Suidelike Halfrond geproduseer is – ’n prestasie wat Heidelberg stewig op die wêreldkaart plaas.

Vir sy maande lange toegewyde arbeid is Lotz beloon met die eerste prys van R30 000. Die logistiek agter die fees is op sigself ’n skouspel: swaar gelaaide bakkies en sleepwaens het versigtig aangery gekom, waarna vurkhysers ingespan is om hierdie reusepampoene met uiterste presisie te hanteer.

Landbou-vakmanskap op sy beste

Die kompetisie in die Wes-Kaap raak jaarliks strawwer, wat getuig van die gevorderde voedingstegnieke en toewyding van plaaslike deelnemers:

  • John Booysen het die tweede plek behaal met ’n stewige 816 kg.
  • Pieter Conradie het die derde plek ingeneem met ’n pampoen van 793 kg.

“Dit verg maande se sorg en onwrikbare passie om sulke gewigte te bereik,” lui die terugvoer van die feeskomitee. “Daar moet gereeld met dié pampoene gesels word!”

Jong bloed wys hul staal

’n Hoogtepunt vir die landbougemeenskap was die deelname van jonger kwekers, wat bewys dat die toekoms van hierdie unieke dissipline in goeie hande is. Enrique Louw, ’n Graad 8-leerder van Hoër Landbouskool Oakdale, het getoon dat hy reeds met die bestes kan meeding. Hy het ’n algehele sesde plek behaal en is as die naaswenner onder nuwe deelnemers aangewys. Sy inskrywing is ook as die “Mooiste Pampoen” bekroon, waarvoor hy R2 000 prysgeld ontvang het.

Gemeenskap en toekoms

Die Heidelberg Groot Pampoenfees, wat reeds sedert 2008 ’n instelling is, het ontwikkel tot veel meer as net ’n kompetisie. Met ’n gholfdag, 4×4-aktiwiteite en gemeenskapsvermaak bied dit ’n belangrike ekonomiese inspuiting vir die streek. Hoofborg Syngenta en die plaaslike komitee het die publiek en borge bedank wat help om Heidelberg as die pampoenhoofstad van die land te vestig.

Terwyl die dorp nou feesvier met alles van pampoenkoekies tot sop, is deelnemers reeds besig om hul grond vir 2027 voor te berei. Met die gaping tussen Suid-Afrika en die wêreldrekord (1 278 kg) wat vinnig krimp, is die droom van ’n wêreldkampioen op eie bodem nader as ooit.

SA Secures New Export Frontier: First Table Grape Shipment Reaches Philippines

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SA Secures New Export Frontier: First Table Grape Shipment Reaches Philippines

In a milestone for the South African fruit industry, the Minister of Agriculture, John Steenhuisen, has officially welcomed the arrival of the first shipment of South African table grapes in the Philippines. This inaugural delivery marks the successful opening of a new trade corridor following the granting of market access in 2025.

A Decade of Technical Diplomacy

The arrival of this shipment is the result of over ten years of sustained technical and diplomatic engagement. Minister Steenhuisen characterized the event as more than just a commercial transaction, but rather the “opening of a new trade corridor” built on mutual trust and science-based phytosanitary standards.

  • The successful entry was facilitated by a collaborative effort between:
  • The South African Table Grape Industry (SATI)
  • The Department of Agriculture and the South African Embassy in the Philippines, led by Ambassador Bartinah Ntombizodwa Radebe-Netshitenzhe
  • The Philippine Department of Agriculture and the Bureau of Plant Industry

Tapping into a High-Growth Market

The Philippines represents a massive opportunity for local producers, currently ranking among the top 20 global importers of table grapes. In 2024, the country imported approximately 74,000 tonnes (roughly 16 million 4.5kg cartons).

With a population exceeding 118 million people, a rapidly expanding middle class, and increasing urbanization, the Philippine market offers significant long-term potential for South African agricultural growth.

Strategic Diversification and Industry Growth

This move is a core component of South Africa’s broader strategy to diversify export destinations and reduce over-reliance on traditional trading partners. By broadening the footprint in Southeast Asia, the government aims to strengthen the resilience of the agricultural sector.

“Our approach is not to replace existing markets, but to broaden our footprint in a way that supports long-term growth, stability, and opportunity for our producers,” Minister Steenhuisen stated.

2025/26 Season Performance

The table grape industry continues to show robust performance. In the current 2025/26 season to date, South African exports have already reached 76.6 million cartons.

Over the next three to five years, the industry intends to establish a firm foothold in the Philippines by expanding export volumes, diversifying varietal offerings, and deepening market integration. Minister Steenhuisen emphasized that the Philippines is viewed as a long-term partner in food security and agricultural development, laying a foundation for shared prosperity between the two nations.

SA Dairy Championships Break Records as Industry Shows Resilience

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SA Dairy Championships Break Records as Industry Shows Resilience

Agri-Expo this week welcomes the who’s who of the South African dairy sector to the 2026 South African Dairy Championships at Eensgezind near Durbanville. Now in its 193rd edition, the event has reached unprecedented heights, recording the highest number of entries, producers, judges and partners in its long history.

Record-Breaking Participation Signals Industry Confidence

Staging Africa’s largest dairy judging is no small feat. This year’s championships bring together an impressive 1 227 products from 81 producers, assessed by 130 judges with the support of 20 partners — all new records for the competition.

Despite mounting pressures facing the agricultural sector, participation at this scale reflects a dairy industry that continues to show up and invest in quality.

“Across the board, these are the highest numbers we have ever seen,” says Breyton Milford, General Manager of Agri-Expo.

Three Days of Intensive Judging

Judging got underway on Wednesday, 25 March, with milk and ice cream categories, followed by a second day dedicated to cheese and butter on Thursday, 26 March.

A standout milestone this year is the evaluation of a record-breaking 700 cheeses — the highest number ever recorded in this category. Judging concludes on Friday, 27 March, with yoghurt and fermented products taking centre stage.

Recognising Excellence and Building Expertise

Western Cape Minister of Agriculture, Ivan Meyer, attended the judging to personally thank participants and commend the championships’ longstanding contribution to the development of industry expertise, particularly in sensory evaluation training. He also highlighted ongoing international collaboration and plans to further strengthen dairy excellence in the province.

Resilience Amid Industry Challenges

Chief judge Graham Sutherland notes that this year’s record participation comes at a time when the industry is navigating significant challenges.

“Against the backdrop of the current foot-and-mouth disease outbreak, we commend dairy farmers for their resilience and determination to maintain milk production,” he says. “

Innovation in Judging Practices

This year’s championships also introduce new elements aimed at enhancing both judging accuracy and feedback to producers. These include the trial of descriptor-based feedback in selected classes, as well as refined judging techniques aligned with internationally recognised research.

The goal is to support judges while providing more detailed and meaningful insights to producers striving for excellence.

Driving Standards and Industry Growth

Chris Fourie, President of Agri-Expo, emphasises the broader significance of the event.

“It is about giving back to the industry, raising standards, driving innovation and ultimately taking the sector forward,” he says.

Strong Backing from Industry Partners

Milford also expressed appreciation for the wide range of partners supporting the championships, highlighting the collaborative effort required to stage an event of this scale.

Looking Ahead to the Dairy Awards

Winners will be announced at the prestigious South African Dairy Awards on 23 April at Nederburg Wine Estate in Paarl.

The championships feature approximately 150 classes across cheese, milk, cream, yoghurt, butter, ice cream and fermented products. New classes introduced this year include smoothies and condensed milk, reflecting evolving consumer trends and product innovation.

Class winners are named SA Champions, while products of outstanding quality are awarded the prestigious Qualité Mark of Excellence — the highest honour in the dairy industry. The overall top performer will be crowned Product of the Year.

Western Cape Agricultural Outlook: Securing Fuel, Water, and Livestock Health

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Western Cape Agricultural Outlook: Securing Fuel, Water, and Livestock Health

Western Cape producers received critical updates this week as the provincial Joint Operations Centre (JOC) moves to stabilize the essential pillars of the agricultural economy: fuel, livestock health, and water. With the fruit harvest in full swing and winter grain planting commencing, these updates provide a roadmap for the weeks ahead.

Fuel Availability and Diesel Management

The Fuels Industry Association of South Africa (FIASA) has officially reassured the province that fuel imports for March and April are secured. While global tensions in the Middle East have caused market anxiety, current reserves are sufficient to meet demand.

However, the JOC flagged that diesel stocks remain under increased pressure due to peak seasonal requirements. Premier Alan Winde addressed reports of isolated shortages—particularly in the West Coast and Garden Route—attributing them to unethical withholding by certain suppliers.

“All suppliers must immediately release full fuel orders to clients. Hoarding will not be tolerated,” the Premier emphasized, noting that the agricultural sector cannot afford artificial supply bottlenecks during such a high-stakes planting window.

Livestock Health: FMD Vaccination Milestone

In a significant boost for biosecurity, the JOC confirmed that more than 50% of all cattle in the City of Cape Town have now been vaccinated against Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD). This milestone is a key part of the provincial 21-point plan to suppress the national outbreak.

The containment effort is a massive logistical undertaking:

  • 140,000+ vaccine doses have been administered.
  • 477 vaccination sites are active across the province.
  • 29 cases have been identified and are being managed through rapid response protocols.

The collaboration between 29 private veterinarians and state services continues to focus on 24/7 border monitoring and strict movement controls to protect the Western Cape’s livestock “green status.”

Water Infrastructure and Future Supply

Water security remains a focal point as dam levels have dipped to a combined capacity of just over 45%, notably lower than the 61% recorded at this time last year.

To prepare for the winter rainfall, the Western Cape Government is coordinating with the National Department of Water and Sanitation on a crucial maintenance drive. The primary focus is clearing silt from infrastructure that feeds major reservoirs. By ensuring that catchment areas and reticulation systems are unobstructed, the province aims to capture the maximum volume of water when the rains arrive. In the interim, producers are urged to maintain high efficiency in water use.

A Call for Verified Information

The Premier concluded the briefing by urging all agricultural stakeholders to rely on official provincial updates. In a time of global and local flux, accurate information is vital to prevent panic-buying and ensure the continued growth of the sector.

Millions of Vaccine Doses Secured as SAHPRA Expedites FMD Response

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Millions of Vaccine Doses Secured as SAHPRA Expedites FMD Response

In a decisive move to bolster the national “mass suppression” strategy against Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD), the Minister of Agriculture, John Steenhuisen, has welcomed a major regulatory breakthrough. The South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) has acted to expedite the importation of six million additional Dollvet vaccine doses to combat the ongoing outbreak.

Phased Procurement and Logistical Strategy

The scale of this procurement is being managed through a phased logistical approach. Following a Section 21 permit issued on Friday, 20 March, for an initial two million doses of the Dollvet vaccine, SAHPRA has confirmed that two additional permits for the remaining four million doses will also be issued. This phased acquisition in lots of two million is a logistical necessity in light of the current conflict in the Middle East.

This surge follows the successful arrival of 1.5 million Dollvet vaccines from Türkiye on 1 March 2026, which are already contributing to the national effort.

Expanding the National Vaccine Arsenal

The government’s strategy continues to leverage international partnerships to ensure a steady supply of high-quality vaccines. Minister Steenhuisen confirmed that five million doses of Biogénesis Bagó vaccines will also be on order soon. This follows the arrival of one million doses of the Biogénesis Bagó vaccine from Argentina last month.

Minister Steenhuisen emphasized that these acquisitions are made possible through a “united front” involving the private sector and regulatory bodies. “I want to recognise the vital role the private sector has played in navigating the complexities of vaccine acquisition and logistics,” the Minister stated. He further noted that the primary goal remains the protection of the national herd and the assurance of long-term food security.

A Responsive Regulatory Environment

The Department of Agriculture extended its sincere gratitude to SAHPRA for its responsiveness and understanding of the urgency regarding the FMD crisis. This regulatory speed is considered vital to ensuring these vaccines reach South Africa without delay. While the specific delivery schedule for the new millions of doses is still being finalized, the Department has committed to sharing the schedule as soon as it becomes available.

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