Preliminary assessments by the Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Land and Environmental Affairs (DARDLEA) as of Thursday, 13 August 2026, recorded mortalities of more than 320 cattle, 40 goats and 10 sheep. Officials say the number is likely to rise as assessments continue.

The affected animals succumbed to hypothermia after prolonged exposure to freezing temperatures, wind and wet conditions. MEC, Khethiwe Moeketsi, said the department was saddened by the losses.

“We are deeply saddened by the loss of livestock, which are a critical asset for our farmers and rural communities. These losses impact directly on livelihoods and food security,” Moeketsi said.

“Government remains committed to working with our farming communities during this period. We encourage cooperation with our officials on the ground to ensure timely support.”

The department has urged farmers to take the following precautionary measures:

Provide shelter: Erect windbreaks or corrugated sheets on the side where wind and rain are coming from

Keep animals dry: Move livestock to higher ground to avoid waterlogging

Insulate kraals: Put down dry grass, straw or kraal manure to protect animals from the cold ground

Increase feed: Provide more roughage and energy blocks/licks to help animals generate body heat

Ensure clean water: Remove ice and clean water troughs regularly

Monitor vulnerable stock: Pay close attention to calves, pregnant and weak animals

Group animals: Allow livestock to huddle together for warmth

Livestock farmers are encouraged to contact extension and veterinary officials at their nearest DARDLEA office for advice on supplementary feeding, shelter, and management of vulnerable animals during extreme weather.

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Launching a provincial mass vaccination of cattle against FMD in Balfour under Dipaleseng Local Municipality last Friday, Moeketsi said farmers should not allow suspicious movements of cattle into their area, as this contributes to the spread of the contagious disease.

The official start of the inoculations coincided with President Cyril Ramaphosa’s announcement during his State of the Nation Address last week when he declared Foot and Mouth Disease a national disaster. Ramaphosa added that FMD has already decimated the cattle industry across a number of provinces.

The launch took place at a communal livestock farm in Siyathemba Location, marking the start of a mass FMD vaccination to be rolled out to other districts henceforth, in a quest to curb any further spread of the disease.

READ | DARDLEA calls for market agents

This after a sizable number of FMD vaccine doses were made available to the province, allowing for the campaign to start in earnest. Dipaleseng has been identified as the epicentre in the province with about 35 confirmed FMD outbreaks, while 149 outbreaks have been confirmed throughout the Gert Sibande District.

About 80 farmers from Balfour and Grootvlei attended the official launch. The department said it will assist farmers access veterinary services to curb the spread of the disease. “We call upon our farmers to immediately report any symptoms associated with FMD to their nearest state veterinary facility.”

Balfour, which has been identified as the epicentre in the province with about 35 confirmed FMD outbreaks. The Gert Sibande District is the most affected in the province, with over 149 confirmed outbreaks scattered across the local munipalities.

MEC Moeketsi says local farmers should also maintain contact with vets regarding animal restrictions and other disease management strategies.

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Dlamini, an organic farmer was one of the exhibitors at the official opening of the 8th Annual Mpumalanga Show last week. 

The event featured agriculture and forestry machinery, exhibitions and food stalls, different breeds of animals, various competitions, cultural dancing and live entertainment.

Speaking to Mpumalanga Mirror, Dlamini shared her journey on how she got into farming. 

“It was in 2012 when I left my job as an accountant and assisted a family member at their farm. I had no farming background but we eventually registered a cooperative with other young people”

She explained how they were assisted by the National Youth Development Agency before branching out on her own to establish her company, ND Holdings. She underwent training on permaculture methods of farming from 2018 until 2023.

Permaculture is a nature-inspired approach to designing productive and resilient human systems, from farms and gardens to homes and communities, by imitating the patterns and processes of natural ecosystems to meet needs sustainably.

“We are more like conservationists because we look after the soil, we look after our water, we preserve, we do not use water and we do not plough unnecessarily. When you visit my farm, it is evident that I keep it as natural as possible and I conserve a lot of these natural resources like water and I make sure my soil is always covered.”

Over the years, she says managed to earn money to grow her business. 

“I now have a stable market that I am supplying which are the local lodges and also hoping to set up a farm. We currently have four employees but the plan is to employ more people as we are expanding. Being a part of the Mpumalanga Show will also help to grow our client base and to attract potential organic farmers, “explains Dlamini. 

MEC for Agriculture, Rural Development, Land and Environmental Affairs, Khethiwe Moeketsi said the department has been an active driver behind the scenes playing a role in planning,mobilisation, coordination and exhibition support to ensure the success of the show. 

“This year, we are proud to welcome a diverse range of exhibitions from various government departments, institutions, private entities and most importantly, our farmers both emerging and commercial.We see hope, progress, and a collective commitment to building a resilient agricultural economy for Mpumalanga,” said the MEC. 

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During a briefing, Ndlovu said after making several assessments in departments, certain changes needed to be made.

“These changes are aimed at strengthening the work of government to address service delivery and a number of challenges faced by the province,” Ndlovu told the media.

He announced that Lindi Masina, former Speaker in the provincial legislature, is the new MEC for Education. Former Ehlanzeni District Municipality executive mayor, Jester Sidell, was also appointed as MEC for the Department of Economic Development and Tourism.

READ | Premier appoints acting Director General

Masina replaces Cathy Dlamini, while Sidell replaces Makhosazane Masilela. Masilela, in turn, will revert to being the Speaker of the Provincial Legislature. Khethiwe Moeketsi and Nompumelelo Hlophe swap departments as Hlophe joins Social Development and Moeketsi takes over Agriculture, Rural Development, Land and Environmental Affairs.

All four MECs were given immediate tasks in their respective departments. Masina’s tasks include achieving a 90% pass rate target for 2025, promote participation and performance of learners in Maths and Science.

This also included implementation of the eLearning strategy by providing technological aids such as tablets, starting from Grade 10 from the 2026 academic year.

Sidell is expected to focus on the Mining Indaba and Investment Summit, finalising the feasibility studies of the Mariepskop
Mountain Cable Car and the Hazyview Water Wave and operationalisation of the Nkomazi SEZ, among other tasks.

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According to the department, an advert is aired on radio stations calling on black farmers to attend an Indaba which is planned to take place from October 24-25 at the Mbombela Stadium.

The department says it would like to put it on record that it distances itself and that it is not in any way part of the so called “Black Farmers Indaba.

“During the October month, the department is well focused on to planting season with an interest of Black Farmers to support them to plant on their fields. The department would therefore like to encourage all farmers to go back to their fields and focus on our Phezukomkhono Mlimi/ Mhlali to produce food. We have various programmes and initiatives aimed at supporting farmers across all demographics. Our priorities this season are cantered around enhancing agricultural productivity, facilitating access to resources, and improving sustainable farming practices,” reads a statement from the department.

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DARDLEA also confirms that it has not sanctioned or endorsed the upcoming Black Farmers Indaba and encourages farmers to seek official channels for support and guidance. “We are committed to fostering an inclusive agricultural environment and urge all stakeholders to engage in dialogue that benefits the entire farming community rather than engaging in politically motivated actions that could undermine our objectives.”

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