North West Province Intensifies Foot-and-Mouth Disease Vaccination Campaign in Ga-Rasai

The fight against Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) is gaining significant momentum in Ga-Rasai, located within the Madibeng Local Municipality, as government intensifies efforts to protect livestock and strengthen the agricultural sector. The vaccination campaign forms part of the provincial accelerated service delivery programme known as Thuntsha Lerole, which aims to bring essential government services directly to communities. With livestock farming playing a vital role in rural livelihoods and the broader agricultural economy, controlling the spread of FMD has become a top priority. The programme demonstrates the province’s commitment to protecting animal health while supporting farmers who depend on livestock production for income and food security. As vaccination teams move through communities, farmers are witnessing first-hand the benefits of coordinated government intervention.

Leading the campaign is Dr Hans Kekana, Head of Department, who is overseeing a dedicated team from the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. The team consists of Animal Health Technicians, veterinarians and Extension and Advisory Officers who are working together to ensure livestock receive the necessary vaccinations. Their efforts are focused on preventing the spread of Foot-and-Mouth Disease, a highly contagious viral disease that can have devastating effects on livestock populations and agricultural markets. Through careful planning and coordinated field operations, the department is accelerating vaccination coverage across affected and vulnerable areas. The campaign highlights the importance of rapid response measures in protecting both animal health and economic stability. By deploying skilled professionals directly into farming communities, the province is strengthening its disease control capabilities and improving support for livestock owners.

The North West Province has adopted an urgent approach to ensure that livestock across the region are vaccinated as quickly and efficiently as possible. Foot-and-Mouth Disease outbreaks can disrupt livestock trade, reduce productivity and place significant financial pressure on farmers. Preventing the spread of the disease is therefore essential not only for individual farmers but also for the sustainability of the agricultural economy. Vaccination remains one of the most effective tools available to control outbreaks and reduce the risk of widespread infection. The province’s intensified campaign reflects an understanding that proactive disease management is critical to maintaining confidence in the livestock sector. Continued vaccination efforts will help protect herds while supporting the long-term growth and resilience of the agricultural industry.

The response from the farming community in Ga-Rasai has been overwhelmingly positive, with many farmers expressing appreciation for the department’s intervention. Beyond the vaccination campaign itself, farmers have welcomed the construction of a modern livestock handling facility that will serve as an important resource for the community. Effective livestock handling infrastructure plays a crucial role in disease management, animal welfare and routine herd management activities. Farmers believe the facility will make it easier to conduct vaccinations, health inspections and other essential livestock procedures. Improved infrastructure can also reduce stress on animals and improve operational efficiency for farmers. The combination of vaccination support and infrastructure development demonstrates a comprehensive approach to strengthening agricultural productivity at the local level.

The newly constructed facility is expected to deliver long-term benefits that extend beyond the current FMD campaign. Proper livestock handling systems enable farmers to monitor herd health more effectively and respond quickly to potential disease threats. They also support breeding programmes, animal identification processes and general herd management practices. Access to quality infrastructure is often a challenge in rural farming areas, making investments such as this particularly valuable. Farmers in Ga-Rasai have recognised the facility as an important step toward improving productivity and enhancing the sustainability of their livestock operations. Such developments contribute to building stronger and more resilient farming communities that are better equipped to face future challenges.

A key message emerging from the Thuntsha Lerole programme is that no farm, no village and no herd will be left behind. The initiative seeks to ensure that government services reach communities directly rather than expecting residents to travel long distances for assistance. This community-centred approach allows officials to better understand local needs and deliver practical solutions that have an immediate impact on people’s lives. By engaging directly with farmers, the programme creates opportunities for knowledge sharing, problem solving and stronger partnerships between government and agricultural communities. These interactions help build trust while ensuring that support programmes address real challenges experienced on the ground. The model reflects a commitment to inclusive service delivery that places communities at the centre of development efforts.

The intensified Foot-and-Mouth Disease vaccination campaign in Ga-Rasai represents an important step in safeguarding livestock, protecting farmers’ livelihoods and strengthening the agricultural economy of the North West Province. Through the leadership of Dr Hans Kekana and the dedicated efforts of veterinary and agricultural professionals, significant progress is being made in controlling the disease and supporting farming communities. The positive response from local farmers demonstrates the value of combining animal health interventions with infrastructure development and direct community engagement. As vaccination efforts continue, the province is creating a stronger foundation for livestock health and agricultural growth. The Thuntsha Lerole programme is proving that effective service delivery can bring meaningful change when government works closely with communities. By ensuring that no farm, village or herd is left behind, the initiative is helping build a healthier, more productive and more resilient agricultural sector for the future.