Eastern Cape Allocates R55 Million in Emergency Funding to Combat Foot-and-Mouth Disease

The Eastern Cape Provincial Government has approved R55 million in emergency funding to respond to the outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) across the province. The outbreak was classified as a national disaster on 13 February 2026 by the Head of the National Disaster Management Centre under section 23 of the Disaster Management Act, 2002. This classification allows for coordinated measures across all spheres of government to contain the disease and protect the province’s livestock industry. Immediate intervention is critical to prevent further spread and mitigate the potential economic and social impact on rural communities dependent on livestock farming.

Acting under Section 25(1) of the Public Finance Management Act, 1999, MEC for Finance Mlungisi Mvoko authorised the release of R55 million from the Provincial Revenue Fund to the Eastern Cape Department of Agriculture. The funding will cover urgent measures such as procurement of vaccines, implementation of disease control interventions, and other operational costs required for immediate containment. This step demonstrates the provincial government’s commitment to protecting both the livestock sector and the livelihoods of rural communities who rely on it.

During a briefing at the Provincial Legislature, MEC Mvoko emphasised the urgency of rapid intervention to safeguard the livestock industry and food security. He highlighted that the fast-spreading nature of FMD poses serious risks to both commercial and small-scale farmers. “We could not afford to delay intervention,” MEC Mvoko said, explaining that the funds will allow the Department of Agriculture to intensify vaccination programmes and implement containment measures without delay. The allocation is an example of how fiscal authority under the PFMA can be used for exceptional and unforeseeable circumstances that require immediate action in the public interest.

The emergency funding will also be integrated into the 2026 Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) budget, which will be tabled in the Provincial Legislature in March 2026. This inclusion ensures transparency and accountability while maintaining a clear plan for operational oversight and reporting. Despite ongoing fiscal pressures, the Provincial Treasury remains committed to providing resources needed to respond decisively to the outbreak. Effective use of the funds will be critical in containing FMD and limiting its impact on agricultural productivity and rural economies.

By allocating R55 million for emergency response, the Eastern Cape government reinforces its proactive approach to managing livestock diseases and protecting food security. Vaccination drives, disease monitoring, and containment measures are central to preventing further outbreaks and sustaining the province’s agricultural sector. The swift release of funds underscores the importance of timely government intervention in national disaster situations, safeguarding both the economy and the livelihoods of communities that depend on healthy livestock.