Small-scale farmer calls for more support after livestock losses
The loss of livestock to foot-and-mouth disease has prompted a Thembisa farmer to appeal for greater government support and improved access to disease management resources.
Local farmer Malebona Makhura (44), who farms in Esselen Park, Thembisa, has shared her frustration over the impact of the recent foot-and-mouth disease outbreak on her livestock and livelihood.
Makhura said she lost 10 goats and one cow to the disease in 2025, leaving her with only five cows and 12 goats.
She explained that, due to a lack of knowledge about the disease, she and her family initially attempted to treat symptoms after noticing rashes developing on the animals’ ears.
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They used bandages and medication they already had available at home.
It was only after following media reports on the outbreak that she learned the importance of separating infected animals from the rest of the herd to prevent further spread of the disease.
Makhura said it was heartbreaking to watch her animals, which she regards as part of her family, become weaker and lose their appetite.
“Animals are like children. You invest your time, energy and money raising them, and watching them die like that was not nice,” she said.
She also expressed dissatisfaction with the Department of Agriculture’s response to the outbreak and its impact on small-scale farmers.
According to Makhura, vaccination efforts appeared to focus on livestock belonging to larger farms and retail suppliers, while smaller farmers were left without support.
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She further claimed that no workshops were held to educate local farmers on how to respond to or manage the disease, forcing many to search online for information.
“So what, just because I only have five cows, they don’t deserve to be vaccinated?
“It hurts that they don’t care about us because local farmers have a major impact on our communities. In many townships, the barter system still exists.
“We hire fellow community members and help reduce unemployment, yet the department continues to overlook us,” she said.
Makhura said she is not seeking financial assistance from the department but would like greater support in the form of educational resources, access to medication or guidance on where farmers can obtain treatment for infected animals.
She has appealed to both the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Small Business Development to work more closely with local farmers and provide support that would enable them to expand their operations and continue contributing to poverty alleviation within their communities.
The Kempton Express contacted the Department of Agriculture for comment.
However, no response had been received by the time of publication.
