Minister Willie Aucamp Appoints Committee of Inquiry to Investigate Arab Horse Breeders’ Society of South Africa

The Minister of Agriculture, Mr Willie Aucamp, has confirmed the appointment of a three-member Committee of Inquiry to investigate the administrative affairs, governance and regulatory compliance of the Arab Horse Breeders’ Society of South Africa (AHBSSA). The decision follows several challenges within the Society and complaints and representations received by the Minister concerning its operations. The inquiry aims to establish greater stability, strengthen accountability and ensure that the Society fulfils its legal responsibilities. It also forms part of the government’s broader efforts to promote transparent and effective governance among animal breeders’ societies in South Africa. Through this intervention, the Minister seeks to address the concerns surrounding the AHBSSA and support the restoration of proper management in accordance with the country’s animal breeding legislation.

Minister Aucamp explained that his decision followed careful consideration of the issues raised about the Society. He emphasised that his primary objective was to restore stability and proper governance to the AHBSSA. The Minister believes that a formal investigation is necessary to examine the Society’s affairs and determine whether its administrative practices meet the required legal and organisational standards. To support this process, he appointed a committee comprising individuals with expertise in agricultural law, animal breeding and organisational governance. This combination of experience is intended to help the committee assess the concerns comprehensively and provide recommendations that support the Society’s future stability.

The Committee of Inquiry consists of Dr Mono Mashaba, who will serve as chairperson, Dr Litha Magingxa and Advocate Johann Grosskopf. Their responsibility is to investigate the management and governance of the Arab Horse Breeders’ Society of South Africa and assess its compliance with applicable legislation and its own constitution. The committee will examine the matters brought to the Minister’s attention and consider the Society’s administrative arrangements in light of its legal obligations. Its findings will help the Minister determine what steps may be necessary to address the identified challenges. The appointment of the committee represents a formal step towards reviewing the Society’s affairs and identifying measures that could improve its administration.

The inquiry has been established in terms of Section 22 of the Animal Improvement Act, 1998, also known as Act No. 62 of 1998. This provision empowers the Minister to appoint a Committee of Inquiry to investigate matters relating to the affairs of an animal breeders’ society registered under the Act. The legislation provides the legal basis for examining whether such societies operate in accordance with the requirements governing their activities. In the case of the AHBSSA, the investigation will focus on its management, governance and compliance with both the Act and its constitution. The process is intended to ensure that the Society’s operations align with the legal framework established for animal improvement and breeding organisations in South Africa.

One of the main objectives of the inquiry is to support the election of a new Council to oversee the affairs of the AHBSSA. According to Minister Aucamp, the ultimate goal is to establish leadership capable of managing the Society in accordance with the Animal Improvement Act and its constitutional requirements. A properly constituted Council is important for maintaining effective oversight, supporting sound administrative decisions and ensuring that the Society fulfils its responsibilities to its members. The inquiry is expected to provide the Minister with findings and recommendations that can inform the steps required to achieve this objective. However, the appointment of the committee does not itself establish that any particular allegation is true, as the investigation must examine the relevant issues before reaching its conclusions.

The Committee of Inquiry must submit its findings and recommendations to the Minister within 30 days after the expiry of the 30-day notice period issued by the Minister to all AHBSSA members announcing the appointment. This arrangement provides a defined period for members to become aware of the inquiry and for the committee to undertake its work. The notice period also forms part of the process through which affected parties can prepare and submit relevant information. The committee’s report will give the Minister a basis for considering the Society’s circumstances and deciding on any appropriate follow-up measures. The specified timeframe reflects the Minister’s intention to address the matter without unnecessary delay while allowing the investigation to proceed properly.

Minister Aucamp has also confirmed a change in the administration of the Society. Dr Frits Hoogendijk is no longer serving as the administrator of the AHBSSA. In the interim, Mr Joel Mamabolo, the Registrar for Animal Improvement, will monitor the Society’s affairs and inform the Minister of any urgent matters that arise. This interim oversight is intended to maintain attention to the Society’s operations while the inquiry proceeds. It also provides a channel through which urgent issues can be brought to the Minister’s attention during this period of administrative review.

Fair administrative justice is another important consideration in the investigation. Minister Aucamp has directed the committee to complete its work within a reasonable timeframe and ensure that all affected parties have an opportunity to make representations, as provided for under Section 22 of the Animal Improvement Act. This requirement gives relevant parties an opportunity to present their views and information for consideration during the inquiry. It also supports a process in which decisions are informed by the issues raised by those affected rather than by untested allegations alone. By emphasising fairness and the opportunity to make representations, the Minister has indicated that the investigation must balance the need for timely action with the procedural rights of the parties involved.

The inquiry also highlights the importance of effective governance within animal breeders’ societies. Organisations operating in the animal breeding sector must manage their affairs responsibly and comply with the laws and constitutional rules that govern them. Clear leadership structures, accountable decision-making and appropriate administrative oversight can help maintain confidence among members and support the broader objectives of the agricultural sector. When governance concerns arise, a formal investigation can help clarify the issues, assess compliance and identify areas requiring corrective action. In the case of the AHBSSA, the committee’s work is intended to provide an informed basis for restoring stability and strengthening the Society’s administration.

Minister Aucamp has reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring that animal breeders’ societies operate with integrity, transparency and in the best interests of South Africa’s agricultural sector. The investigation into the Arab Horse Breeders’ Society of South Africa forms part of this commitment by addressing concerns through the legal mechanisms available under the Animal Improvement Act. The committee’s findings and recommendations will be important in determining the next steps towards improved governance and the election of a new Council. The interim monitoring role assigned to the Registrar for Animal Improvement will also help keep the Society’s affairs under observation while the process continues. Ultimately, the success of the inquiry will depend on a fair and thorough examination of the available information, meaningful participation by affected parties and appropriate action to ensure that the AHBSSA operates in accordance with its legal obligations.