Question NW1656 to the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
25 June 2021 - NW1656
Masipa, Mr NP to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
What is the (a) total number of veterinarians in the Eastern Cape and (b)(i) current vacancy rate and (ii) date by which the specified province intends to fill the vacant positions; (2) what is the total number of veterinarians per livestock unit; (3) whether her department has implemented the compulsory service; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details; (4) what were the (a) prevailing animal diseases during the past financial year and (b) interventions to treat them?
Reply:
1. (a)The total number of veterinarians in the Eastern Cape is 34.
(b) (i) The vacancies is 12, which gives us a current vacancy rate of 26 %.
(ii) The intended date to fill the vacant positions is 1 August 2021.
2. Livestock census as per National livestock statistics are as follows:
Cattle = 3 050 m which is equivalent to 3.050 m LSU
Sheep = 6 513 m which is equivalent to 1.085 m LSU
Goats = 1 991 m which is equivalent to 0.331 m LSU
Therefore, total Live Stock Unit (LSU) = 4.466 million which is equivalent to 131 352 LSU per veterinarian. The international norm is 100 000 LSU per veterinarian. (SOUTH AFRICAN VETERINARY STRATEGY (2016-2026, p26: FAO). There are therefore fewer veterinarians per livestock unit than desired.
3. Compulsory Community Service for Veterinarians is a National driven program, which is implemented in all provinces including the Eastern Cape. For 2021/2022 financial year, the Eastern Cape has been allocated 22 CCS veterinarians. These have been distributed to the six (06) districts of the Eastern Cape.
4. (a) Prevailing animal diseases during the past financial year are Rabies and African Swine Fever.
(b) Awareness and vaccinations were carried out in areas with Rabies outbreaks. Awareness and surveillance were carried out in areas with African Swine Fever outbreak.