Minister Steenhuisen Announces New South African Veterinary Council

The Minister of Agriculture, John Steenhuisen, has formally constituted the new South African Veterinary Council (SAVC), marking a significant step forward in strengthening veterinary regulation and governance in South Africa.

The council has been established in terms of the Veterinary and Para-Veterinary Professions Act, 1982 (Act No. 19 of 1982), with its term of office set to commence on 1 February 2026 and run until 31 January 2029.

Welcoming the announcement, Minister Steenhuisen highlighted the importance of the new council’s composition, which brings together a broad range of expertise drawn from the veterinary and para-veterinary professions, academia, regulatory practice, and law. He noted that this diversity of skills and perspectives would strengthen the council’s ability to fulfil its statutory mandate in the interests of animal health, veterinary public health, food safety, and professional integrity.

“I am confident that this council is fit for purpose and that its composition reflects a careful balance between professional experience, technical expertise and independent oversight,” said Steenhuisen. “This breadth of perspectives will enhance the quality of decision-making and support the council in carrying out its responsibilities effectively and responsibly.”

A considered and lawful process

The minister emphasised that the constitution of the new council followed a careful and considered process, carried out in line with his statutory responsibilities and oversight role. While a wide range of views and representations were received from across the sector, Steenhuisen stressed that he applied his mind independently to the recommendations before him.

“My responsibility is not to simply endorse recommendations, but to ensure that appointments are made on the basis of merit, balance and suitability,” he said.

He further reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring that future appointment processes are conducted strictly in accordance with the Act, including that all nomination and selection procedures are properly constituted as prescribed by legislation.

Composition of the new council

The minister confirmed that the newly constituted SAVC is made up as follows:

Ministerial designees

• Officer of the Department of Agriculture (veterinarian): Dr Motsisi-Mehlape
• Veterinarians or veterinary specialists designated from elected members:
  Dr R Mulder; Dr B Lourens; Dr JA Fraser
• Person with knowledge of law: Adv. R Maruma
• Veterinarians or veterinary specialists designated from nominations:
  Dr NP Moswa-Kato; Dr L Kgatswetswe; Dr J van Deemter; Dr N Mnisi
• Non-veterinarian designated from nominations: Prof. S Willows-Munro
• University-nominated veterinarian (University of Pretoria): Prof. V Naidoo

Appointees as nominated and/or elected

• Veterinarians elected by their peers:
  Prof. JP Schoeman; Dr P van der Merwe; Dr J Basch
• Animal Health Technician: Mr T Serebolo
• Laboratory Animal Technologist: Ms B Mogodi
• Veterinary Technologist: Mr LS Mokami
• Veterinary Nurse: Sr E Bornman
• Veterinary Physiotherapist: Ms J Hager
• South African Veterinary Association nominee: Dr L de Bruyn

Restoring confidence in veterinary regulation

Minister Steenhuisen expressed confidence that the newly constituted council would execute its duties without fear or favour, and with the independence, integrity, and professionalism required of a statutory regulator.

“The establishment of this council marks an important step in restoring stability, credibility and effective governance within the veterinary regulatory environment,” he said.

He also acknowledged the patience shown by practitioners and stakeholders during the period leading up to the reconstitution of the council and reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring that statutory bodies within the agriculture sector function effectively, transparently, and in the public interest.

The induction and inaugural meeting of the new council will take place in February 2026, enabling the SAVC to begin its work without further delay and to address outstanding matters inherited from the previous term in accordance with its statutory mandate.