The initiative, led by the Eastern Cape Development Corporation in partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and the Tsolo Agriculture and Rural Development Institute (TARDI), is built on 2022 policy and regulatory reforms under the South African Vet Council (SAVC) framework and the Veterinary and Para-Veterinary Professions Act (No. 19 of 1982), which allow animal health technicians (AHTs) to operate as private service providers.
On 28 April, the first cohort of AHTs, trained at TARDI, received start-up kits, enabling them to deliver basic veterinary services in their communities. The equipment package included dosing guns, castration tools, biosecurity gear, diagnostic equipment, and mini fridges for storage, supporting improved disease detection and routine livestock care.
Eastern Cape MEC for Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism Nonkqubela Ntomboxolo Pieters said in a press release that decentralising animal healthcare is key to reducing delays in treatment and limiting livestock losses.
“By placing services closer to farmers, we are improving response times, strengthening disease surveillance, and reducing the cost burden on rural producers,” she said at the handover of the kits.
Mthozami Goqwana, deputy director-general of the Eastern Cape Department of Agriculture, said at the event that the programme is aligned with broader disease control efforts, particularly for foot-and-mouth disease (FMD).
“An opportunity exists for these AHTs to work alongside government in disease control programmes. The experience with FMD has shown that collaboration with private veterinarians is essential, especially where state capacity is stretched,” he added.
Integrating AHTs into formal animal health system
Speaking to Farmer’s Weekly, Goqwana said the 2022 legislative changes marked a turning point for the AHT profession, creating a pathway for entry into the formal economy.
“The reforms enable AHTs to operate as private-sector providers, which opens up opportunities for self-employment and enterprise development,” he said.
Goqwana added that integrating AHTs into structured disease control programmes could enhance coverage and improve early detection at community level.
However, he said regulatory oversight will remain stringent: “The veterinary profession is highly regulated through legislation and the SAVC. These AHTs are registered, and their operations will be subject to the same compliance, monitoring, and professional standards.
“State veterinarians will continue to play an oversight role to ensure adherence.”
South African Vet Council Registrar/CEO Mongezi Menye said at the handover that the initiative addresses a long-standing mismatch between graduate output and employment opportunities.
“Large numbers of trained AHTs have historically struggled to find work, while rural livestock owners remain underserved. This model begins to correct that imbalance,” he explained.
For beneficiaries like entrepreneur Zimasa Qwayele, based in the Alfred Nzo District Municipality, the support represents a transition from training to viable business operations.
“This allows us to offer proper, structured animal healthcare services and operate at a professional level,” she said.
