Minister Steenhuisen Appoints New Veterinary Council to Guard National Standards

In the latest move of a high-speed month for agricultural reform, Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen officially constituted the new South African Veterinary Council (SAVC) on 26 January 2026. This appointment completes a “triad of governance” launched this January, providing the professional and regulatory oversight necessary to ensure the 10-year FMD roadmap is executed with clinical integrity.

The SAVC is a statutory body established under the Veterinary and Para-Veterinary Professions Act of 1982. While previous announcements this month focused on industry coordination and global science, the SAVC’s role is to regulate the people on the front lines—ensuring that every veterinarian and para-veterinary professional in South Africa operates with the “independence, integrity, and professionalism” required to safeguard the national herd.

A Council Fit for Purpose

The new council, which commences its three-year term on 1 February 2026, was selected through a rigorous process designed to balance technical expertise with independent oversight. Minister Steenhuisen emphasised that the appointments were made on the basis of “merit, balance, and suitability,” effectively ending a governance vacuum that has existed since the previous council’s term expired in July 2025.

The council includes a diverse range of experts, including:

• Ministerial Designees: Leading professionals such as Dr. Motsisi-Mehlape (Department Veterinarian), Adv. R Maruma (Legal Expert), and Prof. V Naidoo (University of Pretoria).

• Elected Professionals: Peer-elected veterinarians including Prof. JP Schoeman, Dr. P van der Merwe, and Dr. J Basch.

• Para-Veterinary Representatives: Specialists across the field, including Animal Health Technicians, Laboratory Technologists, and Veterinary Nurses.

The Guardrails of the FMD Strategy

The timing of this appointment is critical. As South Africa begins receiving millions of vaccine doses from Argentina and Turkey, the SAVC acts as the regulatory guardrail. They ensure that vaccination campaigns and biosecurity protocols meet the “globally credible” standards required to satisfy international trading partners like the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH).

“The establishment of this council marks an important step in restoring stability and credibility within the veterinary regulatory environment,” said Minister Steenhuisen.

A Month of Momentum The constitution of the SAVC is the fourth major development in just two weeks:

1. Jan 14: The 10-Year FMD Roadmap is unveiled.

2. Jan 21: The Industry Coordination Council is appointed for operational leadership.

3. Jan 23: Scientific partnership with Pirbright Institute is resumed and RMIS hits 5,000 units.

4. Jan 26: The SAVC is constituted to provide professional regulatory oversight.

With the induction and inaugural meeting of the SAVC set for February 2026, the infrastructure to defeat Foot and Mouth Disease is now fully assembled—from the farmer’s gate to the scientist’s lab and the veterinarian’s clinic.