Press release
Addressing the FMD Indaba last week Dewald Olivier, CEO of Red Meat Industry Services (RMIS), called time on the status quo – declaring that South Africa’s current biosecurity and disease control systems are unsustainable, actively undermining the red meat industry, and ultimately threatening the country’s food security.
Speaking on behalf of the red meat value chain, Olivier advocated for the urgent replacement of outdated frameworks with a science-based, globally credible system – expressing his hope that this Indaba marks the turning point.
“Our gathering here is a shared acknowledgment that we can no longer rely on the way things have always been done,” said Olivier. “It’s not just unsustainable, it’s damaging our industry.”
Olivier put forward a proposed Strategic Plan developed by RMIS in collaboration with industry stakeholders*: a phased, implementable framework that includes restoring veterinary capacity, diversifying vaccine production, strengthening traceability through a national Animal ID system, and enabling regional zoning choices around FMD vaccination. The plan is inclusive of all livestock sectors and designed to align with international standards, including those of the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH).
He welcomed the Minister’s support for regionalisation, vaccine co-financing, and infrastructure investment, while urging the immediate formation of a joint government–industry delegation to consolidate the Indaba’s outcomes and produce a credible, funded, and time-bound action plan.
“This delegation cannot be symbolic. It must be empowered, accountable, and deliver within days – not years.”
In a firm commitment to collaborative partnership with government, Olivier confirmed that the industry stands ready to co-finance vaccine procurement, invest in traceability infrastructure, support data platforms, and contribute to building veterinary capacity.
Ending with a message of unity and resolve, he added: “This Indaba cannot be just another roundtable. It must be the start of something real, a united path forward that brings clarity, stability, and hope to every part of our industry. Let us build- together – a new foundation for biosecurity, trade, and lasting prosperity. Not just for every role player, but above all, for South Africa.”
* Industry stakeholders include: RPO, SAFA, RMAA, MPO, MilkSA, Nalfa-SA, SAFLA/APAC, AgriSA, GrainSA, WRSA, NWGA, Cape Wools, Mohair SA, RuVASA, AFASA, SAVA Wildlife Group, SAPPO, TLU, LRF, Studbook and Kwanalu.
Photo by Jason Grant on Unsplash
