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The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Dihlabeng will hold the municipality accountable for its failure to implement any mitigation plan against Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD), which is already threatening farmers’ livelihoods, livestock health, and the region’s agricultural economy.

Despite confirming an outbreak in their 30 January 2026 correspondence and with four cases already reported in Bethlehem, the municipality has produced no biosecurity policy, no structured response, and has failed to enforce stock safety by-laws. Roaming livestock and uncontrolled movement of livestock continue to fuel the spread of this highly contagious disease.

The DA has repeatedly raised the alarm, formally requesting the Local Economic Development Directorate and Municipal Manager to inform the public, and highlighting the urgency during council meetings. Yet, no meaningful action has followed. This negligence puts farmers and the broader agricultural sector at risk amid a national FMD emergency.

The DA demands that Dihlabeng immediately draft and adopt a municipal biosecurity policy aligned with national protocols, provide technical support for farm-level biosecurity, strictly enforce by-laws to prevent roaming and illegal movements, and communicate transparently with farmers and stakeholders.

Farmers deserve decisive action, not empty promises. The DA will continue to fight for accountability and real solutions, and will escalate the matter to provincial and national authorities if necessary.

Issued by Cllr. Sello Makoena - DA Councillor Dihlabeng Municipality