04 Feb 2026

Residents of Makopong in Kgalagadi South have launched a grassroots border protection initiative to safeguard Botswana’s livestock industry from the Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) outbreak currently escalating in neighbouring South Africa.
Led by the Makopong Farmers Committee, the community began a strategic fortification of the international borderline on January 27.
The move comes as a response to the threat the virus poses to livelihoods and the national economy.
The primary goal is to maintain the status of Zone 13 as an FMD-free ‘Green Zone’, a region recognised as one of the nation’s most vital contributors to beef production.
Speaking on the urgency of the situation, Councillor for Makopong area, Mr Shimane Bimbo, emphasised that the time for total reliance on government had passed.
“It is the duty of every responsible citizen to stand and step up during times like this and be wholeheartedly patriotic to our country without looking and relying solely on the government,” Councillor Bimbo said.
He explained that the committee’s resolution to inspect and repair the border fence served as an essential precautionary measure to prevent cloven-hoofed animals from crossing between Botswana and South Africa.
The community-led project has identified critical vulnerabilities along the border, including a shortage of 1.6-meter standard poles, a need for fresh barbed wire, and several burrow pits under the existing barrier fence.
Furthermore, Mr Bimbo explained that the patrol road had become largely inaccessible due to the overgrown of the invasive Prosopis mesquite (Sexanana) tree.
To address these gaps, he said residents had already begun making individual contributions of P200 or more to fund materials and provide food for the volunteer workforce.
Despite the high level of commitment, Mr Bimbo said the committee had reported a significant shortage of equipment, including chainsaws, shovels, and axes.
He noted that there was also an urgent request for a grader to clear and demarcate the patrol line, which was essential for monitoring prohibited crossings in ungazetted areas.
The community was hopeful that their patriotic efforts would be bolstered by additional support to ensure that the newly established funds for FMD were used to fully erect a secure cordon fence, permanently protecting the cattle-rich Zone 13.
Adding his voice to the call for national solidarity, Makopong Tribal Representative, Kgosi Obenne Matshogo urged other communities along the borderline to follow Makopong’s example.
He warned that the fight against FMD was a collective responsibility, as an outbreak in a single zone could lead to a nationwide agricultural crisis.
Kgosi Matshogo noted that preventing the spread of the disease into the country was a task for every citizen, stressing that benchmarking from proactive communities like Makopong, was key to securing Botswana’s economic future. ENDS