The Democratic Alliance (DA) has called on the MEC of Agriculture, Rural Development and Land Reform, Lebogang Motlhaping to help initiate an urgent intervention to address the escalating crisis of free-roaming cattle in Jan Kempdorp and Hartswater.
For months, residents have been forced to contend with cattle moving freely through town on a daily basis.
This situation has now reached a critical point, particularly in light of the ongoing Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) outbreak affecting parts of South Africa. The roaming cattle pose a threat to potential disease transmission, as uncontrolled animal movement heightens the risk of spreading FMD, threatening local farmers, emerging livestock owners, and the broader agricultural economy.
The roaming cattle also pose a direct threat to motorists and pedestrians, creating dangerous traffic conditions and increasing the risk of accidents and potential loss of life. In addition, residents have reported the destruction of gardens, municipal infrastructure, and private property caused by unattended livestock.
There has been no response to my letter, issued to the Municipal Manager, Mr Z. Nikani, and the Mayor, Mr W. Harmse, on 15 February 2026, whereby I flagged concerns and reminded the municipality of its clear responsibility to enforce animal control by-laws within municipal boundaries. This includes that livestock owners are legally required to contain their animals, and that the municipality has the authority to impound animals found roaming unlawfully and take enforcement action against negligent owners.
The DA has therefore referred the matter to MEC Motlhaping for urgent intervention and to put pressure on the municipality to ensure that decisive action is taken.
We demand:
• Immediate enforcement of animal control by-laws;
• Clear communication to livestock owners regarding their responsibilities;
• The implementation of a concrete action plan to prevent further roaming livestock within town limits;
• Urgent engagement with provincial veterinary authorities to mitigate any potential FMD risk; and
• The erection of a temporary pound as a matter of urgency.
Public safety, public health, and the economic stability of our agricultural sector are at stake and must not be compromised by municipal inaction and weak enforcement.