‘We are on track’: Steenhuisen unveils fast-track FMD vaccination plan

Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen says South Africa is shifting gears in its fight against foot-and-mouth disease, rolling out a new fast-track vaccination scheme to help farmers protect their livestock. Speaking in Parliament, Steenhuisen announced a gazetted Routine Vaccination Scheme that allows farmers to take immediate action under veterinary supervision, instead of waiting for a national rollout. Framing it as a long-term strategy, he said the move signals a shift from reactive outbreak control to a science-driven plan aimed at rebuilding the country’s agricultural competitiveness and reopening global markets. Phemelo speaks to Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen.