Question NW2453 to the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
29 August 2023 - NW2453
Masipa, Mr NP to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
Considering that the Animal Health Act, Act 7 of 2002, was passed by Parliament and signed into law by former president Mr Thabo Mbeki in 2002, what (a) are the reasons that the specified Act was never promulgated and (b) was the name of the official who failed to implement the Act?
Reply:
a) The Animal Health Act, 2002 is a complete departure from the Animal Diseases Act 1984 and requires a complete overhaul of the entire animal health regulatory service. The country, industry and markets must be thoroughly planned and prepared as any hasty overhaul will have implications for South Africa’s trading partners. We are in the process of ascertaining and analysing what would be in the best interest for South Africa i.e. whether to strengthen weaknesses identified in the Act that is currently in force (Act No. 35 of 1984) or repeal and replace it with the un-promulgated Act (Act No. 7 of 2002). The Department aims to conclude this exercise before the end of the current calendar year and will approach Parliament for guidance once all factors have been assessed.
b) There are no records that point to any one official who could have decided not to have the Act promulgated. The Department is currently undertaking an analysis as to whether to strengthen the current Act No. 35 of 1984 or proceed with the necessary steps to promulgate Act No. 7 of 2002.