22 Oct 2026

Assistant Minister of Lands and Agriculture, Mr Motsamai Motsamai, has warned donkey users in Hukuntsi against abusing and neglecting the animals, calling for humane treatment and stricter enforcement of animal welfare measures.

Mr Motsamai made the remarks during a stakeholder consultative meeting at Hukuntsi kgotla, where he expressed concern over the mistreatment of donkeys and called for greater responsibility among those who use the animals. He said the ministry intended to communicate with the police on measures to ensure that people found mistreating donkeys faced appropriate penalties.

The assistant minister raised concerns over donkeys being overworked, beaten, overloaded and left harnessed to carts for extended periods without adequate care.

“We are concerned about the negligence that is mostly done on donkeys, where they can be left on donkey carts for the whole day, and we are engaging with the police in addressing these matters,” he said.

Mr Motsamai emphasised that donkeys played an important role in people’s livelihoods and should be protected from cruelty and neglect.

He also encouraged farmers to diversify their agricultural activities by considering donkey farming, particularly during challenging economic times.

Meanwhile, chairperson of the Tshane Farmers Committee, Mr Moitshepi Monyamane, welcomed efforts to promote donkey welfare and also called on government to develop a viable market for the animals.

Mr Monyamane noted that Kgainyane Artificial Insemination Farm has many donkeys and said creating market opportunities could help farmers realise their economic potential.

He further encouraged farmers to consider donkey farming, citing concerns about declining donkey numbers and the need to explore alternative livestock enterprises. ENDS