The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, led by MEC Mrs.
Thembeni kaMadlopha-Mthethwa, embarked on a massive vaccination drive in uMkhanyakude,
one of the largest districts in terms of animal population, estimated at between 200 thousand
and 210 thousand. Veterinary-led vaccinations administered just over 27,000 vaccines to cattle
in 40 dip tanks within the uMhlabuyalingana Local Municipality over two days, Monday, March
30, and Tuesday, March 31, 2026.
According to the schedule, the teams are currently in the bordering uMhlabuyalingana and
Jozini areas, which share borders with Mozambique and eSwatini, before moving inward to Big
5 Hlabisa and Mtubatuba. They are administering Dollvet-manufactured vaccines from Turkiye,
which provide protection against FMD SAT 1, SAT 2, and SAT 3 strains recorded in the district.
The vaccines are part of the second batch received by the province, totalling 560 thousand.
The province has thus far been allocated 760 thousand doses of both BioGenesis Bago and
Dollvet manufactured vaccines, which have been utilised to complete vaccinations in uGu and
Harry Gwala districts, as well as in some areas within Amajuba, uThukela, and uMgungundlovu
districts.
Today, April 1st, the MEC Mrs. Thembeni kaMadlopha-Mthethwa visited two diptanks within
uMhlabuyalingana area - Zulwini and Isiphondweni. She said that, dependent on vaccine
availability, the province is on schedule to vaccinate all cattle within six months. She also
announced that the teams would be reinforced this month (April) with new recruits, including
animal health technicians, data capturers, and administration clerks, bringing the total to 45
teams to fast-track the vaccination process, compared to the previous 20 teams per day since
February 26, 2026.
The Chairperson of Isiphondweni Dip tank around Mboza area, within the uMhlabuyalingana
Local Municipality, Mr. Thokozani Jobe, has expressed joy upon the arrival of vaccines in his
area, saying that it will alleviate a burden on their shoulders as livestock farmers. "I am happy
that the MEC has joined us to also get the views of local farmers, and she has seen the impact
this disease has had on our livelihoods. We hope that she will also assist us in the future when
we are affected by other animal diseases," said Jobe.