28 Apr 2026

Government has postponed the official opening of the Tsabong Multi-Species Abattoir, which had been scheduled for May, citing the ongoing Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) outbreak.  

Acting Minister of Agriculture Dr Edwin Dikoloti confirmed that the outbreak has made it impossible for the state-of-the-art facility to open its doors to the public as planned. He described the delay as a strategic move to protect the integrity, reputation and goodwill of the facility.  

“Opening an export-led and export-ready abattoir while the disease is active in containment zones is risky. It has potential for international blacklisting before the first carcass could even be processed,” Dr Dikoloti said.  

The minister stressed that the facility remained a priority, but its success rests on the nation’s ability to eradicate the Foot and Mouth Disease Virus (FMDV) in the coming months. The Veterinary Services Department has set an ambitious target of three to six months to suppress the virus.  

Dr Dikoloti highlighted progress in the Good Hope District, where vaccination rates have soared above 95 per cent. Approximately 20 000 animals have already been vaccinated in the Ramatlabama area. However, he warned that vaccination is not a ‘cure-all.’  

“Vaccination fundamentally changes the status of the herd, impacting cattle prices, ownership protocols, and movement within containment zones,” he said.  

Calling for honesty among farmers, the minister urged them to report FMD-related issues to authorities promptly. He quoted a Setswana proverb, Tla re seka ra baa tlhako le molomo botsetsi, a warning against hiding signs of the disease.  

He likened compliance with FMD measures to the biblical story of Naaman, who was healed after humbling himself to follow Prophet Elisha’s instructions to wash seven times in the River Jordan. 

“Absolute compliance with movement restrictions and veterinary protocols is the only path to prevent further dwindling of the national herd,” Dr Dikoloti said.  

To bolster containment efforts, government plans to strengthen and potentially double patrols along zone boundaries to curb illegal livestock movement. 

The minister also called for a revival of volunteerism, commending  Mephato and volunteers already assisting. 

He further appealed to the clerical community to pray for the nation and the eradication of the disease.  

Despite the delay, Dr Dikoloti said the farming community remained adamant that the FMD outbreak would soon be ‘a thing of the past.’ 

He assured the public that the battle would be won only if all stakeholders cherished the value of maintaining cattle health.  ends