15 Jun 2026

Farmers in Gasita have been urged to stamp out practices that could worsen the spread of Foot and Mouth Disease by stepping up patrols of animal drinking points and grazing areas.  

The call came from Assistant Minister of Lands and Agriculture, Mr Motsamai Motsamai, during a kgotla meeting on Thursday.  

Mr Motsamai appealed to farmers to reduce FMD risks by forming trusts to combat stock theft and illegal slaughter meant to supply butcheries. He advised them to target areas where illegal slaughtering occurred, such as pans that served as drinking points for animals.  

He expressed frustration that some farmers contribute to FMD’s spread while also complaining to authorities.

“Farmers suffer devastating economic losses from loss of market, but their own daily practices are not helping in controlling the FMD,” he said.  

The assistant minister stressed that farmers must uphold key responsibilities in combating FMD, including closing veterinary gates and maintaining boundary fences.   Movement restrictions and slaughter bans, he warned, would remain if the public failed to comply. Lifting of restrictions would depend on positive community response.  

Mr Motsamai cautioned residents against withholding information on stock theft, saying it frustrates government efforts to fight FMD. He added that business licenses of butchery operators buying unverified meat or meat from stock thieves would be revoked.  

Failure to comply with FMD control measures, he said, would undermine government’s aim to increase the national cattle herd from 1.7 million to five million.  

His remarks followed concerns raised by resident Mr Gosekwang Thelo, who said stock theft was rife in Gasita pans.

Mr Thelo noted that despite a suspension on slaughtering, it was still taking place in the village, with bred cows often targeted. He questioned what action was being taken against butchery owners procuring meat from suspected stock thieves, adding that farmers had failed to get police help due to lack of transport.  

Another resident, Mr Rankhubidu Taunyane, echoed that slaughtering remained rampant. He said police had confiscated cow hides and heels from the pans in Gasita, but no arrests had been made due to lack of evidence. Mr Nonofo Taunyane called for rezoning of Zone 11, describing it as a vast area.  

In response, Director of Veterinary Services, Dr Kobedi Segale urged farmers to focus efforts on combating FMD. He noted that Parliament had already made a decision on rezoning, but said the matter would be addressed later as government could not embark on many projects at the same time.  ends