04 Jun 2026

Vivo Energy has donated 10 000 litres of fuel to the Ministry of Lands and Agriculture to aid in the fight against Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD).

Receiving the donation in Gaborone on Tuesday, Minister of Lands and Agriculture, Dr Edwin Dikoloti said Botswana was not yet out of the woods though veterinarians worked hard to control the situation at Zone 3C and currently battling the tense situation in Zones 11 and 13.

Dr Dikoloti said the donation would alleviate the situation. He said a new containment zone was established to monitor the spread of the disease.

He also said in so doing, they were also blocking people who were moving cattle from one area to another with the view of avoiding specific affected areas.

He warned that moving cattle in this  manner was putting the country in  jeopardy. Dr Dikoloti said some farmers were obstacles in the fight against FMD, as they were reluctant to allow veterinary officers vaccinate their cattle, denying them access to their farms.

He said his South African counterpart, Mr John Steenhuisen had urged him to be agile in controlling the disease as it was quickly spreading in the country and across the borders.

“We have agreed with neighbouring states to coordinate vaccination because failure for one to vaccinate while the other did, would be in vain. We have done the same with Zimbabwe while President Boko and President Cyril Ramaphosa had the same agreement,” he elaborated.

Dr Dikoloti said misinformation had led some countries into the severe situation they were currently experiencing.

He said it was time that those who misinformed were brought to book as well as those who were thwarting efforts to curb the spread of FMD.

“Foot and Mouth is a curse. Where it is found, it leaves poverty. No one wants that kind of poverty,” he said.

Handing over the donation, Vivo Energy General Manager, Mr Sesupo Wagamang said the outbreak of FMD posed a significant challenge to livestock farmers, rural communities, food security and employment as well as the export elements that were desperately needed.

He said protecting the sector was personal to Vivo Energy Botswana and to everyone.

He said giving government support to fight FMD spread, was guided by the understanding that swift coordinated response was critical.

“We understood that response teams cannot reach affected areas, conduct assessments, support farmers and implement containment measures without reliable mobility and logistical support,” he said.

He said fuel was a critical resource though it seemed to be a simple contribution because it kept vehicles moving, response teams deployed, supplies delivered and essential interventions reaching communities where there was need. Mr Wagamang said the donation also reflected their commitment as responsible partners to Botswana’s development journey, embodying their business values rooted in partnership and resilience.

He said the company remained committed to supporting initiatives that advanced sustainable development, drove economic growth and improved the well-being of Botswana. ENDS