The reported outbreak of African swine fever in the Grogro informal settlement in Sherwood, Gqeberha, has raised serious concerns about animal disease control, public safety, and the protection of livelihoods in Nelson Mandela Bay.
This follows reports of multiple pig deaths and decomposing carcasses in the area, creating a risk that the disease could spread further if infected animals, carcasses, and contaminated material are not managed properly.
I have submitted parliamentary questions to the MEC for Agriculture, Nonceba Kontsiwe, requesting urgent clarity on the extent of the outbreak, the Department’s response, and the support being provided to affected residents.
The Department must confirm how many cases have been reported, what testing has been conducted, whether quarantine and movement controls are in place, and what veterinary resources have been deployed to the area.
Residents also need clear communication. Communities must be warned not to slaughter, sell, or consume meat from pigs that have died or may be infected, and affected pig owners must be properly advised on safe disposal and containment measures.
I have also asked MEC Kontsiwe to clarify whether compensation, relief, or other support will be made available to affected pig owners and households who may lose animals as a result of containment measures.
African swine fever can devastate small-scale pig farmers and informal livestock owners. For many households, pigs are not just animals in a yard. They are food security, income, savings, and survival.
This outbreak highlights the urgent need for stronger disease surveillance, proper coordination between provincial veterinary services and the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, and better livestock management support in informal settlements where animals often roam freely.
South Africa’s agricultural sector is already under pressure from multiple animal disease outbreaks. The Eastern Cape government must act quickly, communicate clearly, and work with local authorities to contain the outbreak before more animals are lost and more households are affected.