Gauteng government, DA clash over handling of FMD outbreak

The Gauteng Provincial Government and the Democratic Alliance (DA) are at odds over the province’s handling of the ongoing Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) outbreak.

This dispute comes as concerns continue to grow over the impact of the disease on farmers and food security.

In a statement released on Tuesday, the provincial government rejected the DA’s claims that Premier Panyaza Lesufi had failed to coordinate an effective response.

On Monday, the DA’s Gauteng Shadow MEC for Agriculture, Bronwynn Engelbrecht, argued that municipalities were not adequately empowered to help contain the outbreak.

“Unfortunately for Gauteng residents and farmers, there is no evidence of local government coordinating livestock movement control, no visible municipal enforcement of biosecurity measures, no structured local government participation in a joint command centre,” the party said. 

The party also called for stronger local government involvement, including support for roadblocks and livestock movement enforcement, monitoring of municipal property, and direct engagement with farmers and affected communities.

However, the Gauteng government dismissed the party’s claims as “misleading” and opportunistic

It said a Special Executive Council meeting held in January had already set in motion a coordinated response, including intergovernmental collaboration led by the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs.

“It mandated all departments to work with municipalities on a comprehensive communications strategy and ordered operational support from Transport and security cluster, including road blocks and route controls,” added the Department. 

Government spokesperson, Elijah Mhlanga, added that the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development has deployed veterinary teams to high-risk areas, established quarantine zones, and implemented strict movement controls to curb further infections.

Despite the criticism, the provincial government insistst its response is comprehensive and coordinated, warning that politicising the outbreak could undermine efforts to contain the disease.

Premier Lesufi is failing to coordinate the fight against Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) and Gauteng’s farmers and food security are paying the price! 😡

While livestock losses mount and outbreaks continue, local mayors have not been properly empowered to set up command… pic.twitter.com/VJbFiJidQ6

— Democratic Alliance Gauteng Legislature (@DA_GPL) March 31, 2026

Gauteng continues to respond decisively to Foot and Mouth Disease through coordinated containment, vaccination, and farmer support.

The government, vets, and the agricultural sector are working together to protect livestock and strengthen resilience.#GDARDatWork pic.twitter.com/TpOQyz021b

— GP_AgricRural (@OfficialGDARD) March 27, 2026