BY PHUMZILE NDLOVU
MBABANE – The Minister of Agriculture, Mandla Tshawuka, has temporarily lifted the ban on animal slaughter in butcheries.
This move comes after a public outcry by stakeholders and those affected by the ban. The minister made the announcement today at the press conference at the ministry. The ban on the slaughtering of animals will come into effect on January 1, 2024.
Tshawuka said, “As the Minister of Agriculture, I note that the Directorate of Veterinary and Livestock Services instituted a ban on the slaughtering of animals at butcheries with effect from January 1, 2024.”
The minister highlighted that he has been assured and appreciates that the ban was implemented in good faith to reduce health risks to emaSwati imposed by meat products, which may be contaminated when animals are not slaughtered in a hygienic way.
The minister stated that the ban was based on the Veterinary Public Health Act 17 of 2013, which gives powers to the Director of Veterinary and Livestock to take appropriate action to safeguard the health of emaSwati.
The minister noted that the ban has caused public outcry, especially in the primary value chains of the industry, hence his involvement as well as the levels of distress and business disruption.
He went on to say, I have taken the decision to revert the status quo ante (before January 1, 2024) to allow these three processes.
Adequate and inclusive stakeholder engagement or consultations should focus on the impediments relating to the implementation of this long-standing legislation and come up with a seamless way of implementing it going forward.
Ascertain the adequacy of abattoirs from the perspective of both sheer numbers and distribution.
The Directorate of Veterinary and Livestock Services, under the supervision of the Office of the Principal Secretary, provides assistance where required for businesses to be ready to transition to the new discipline without serious negative effects on their operations and industry.
The minister also said the ban will be held in abeyance until the above processes are concluded. It is anticipated that this will take about four months from now, at which point a decision will be taken based on the outcomes of these activities.
Tshawuka concluded by saying, “As a ministry, we remain committed to delivering service to the nation and staying true to the community under the leadership of this kingdom, which means ending hunger and poverty in the shortest time possible, ”said the minister.
