Hanlie du Plessis
Hanlie du Plessis, a freelance journalist and content strategist, has over twenty years of experience in agricultural media. Her passion is bringing editorial projects from concept to final print, digital, or broadcast format. This stems from her strong sectoral roots, which centre around farmers, their stories, and their animals.
Editors Pick
Confusion, cost and coordination failures cloud FMD vaccine rollout
South Africa’s current foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) outbreak, which began in July 2025 and has since spread across all nine provinces is no longer just a test of the country’s biosecurity system, but of its governance.
Global pressures spark diesel shortages and price concerns
Early signs of diesel shortages at South African fuel stations are sparking concern in the agriculture sector, even as government insists that national supply remains secure.
South Africa shines at Golden Shears World Championships
South Africa has once again demonstrated its world-class shearing expertise after delivering an outstanding performance at the Golden Shears World Championships in Masterton, New Zealand.
Private sector steps in to accelerate FMD vaccine rollout
Private companies and industry organisations are helping to accelerate the delivery of foot-and-mouth disease vaccines across South Africa, enabling faster rollout in the Western Cape, Eastern Cape, and KwaZulu-Natal as authorities work to contain outbreaks.
Refrigerated trucks deliver food-and-mouth disease vaccines to KZN dairy farms
Refrigerated vehicles funded by industry partners are transporting thousands of foot-and-mouth disease vaccines to veterinary clinics serving KwaZulu-Natal’s high-risk dairy district, helping ensure rapid vaccination while maintaining the critical cold chain.
Editors Pick
FMD vaccines arrived, but delays raise questions about payment and coordination
In the middle of South Africa’s escalating foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) crisis, a consignment of 1,5 million urgently needed vaccine doses had already been in the country. However, the vaccines are not yet in the system meant to get them to farmers, exposing a gap between government assurances and the operational reality of the national vaccination roll-out.
Pork sector sees progress in disease response despite FMD and ASF challenges
South Africa’s pork industry is beginning to see tangible progress in the fight against foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) and African swine fever (ASF), with new regulatory amendments, vaccine roll-outs and additional abattoir approvals helping to stabilise the sector.
Government’s vaccination timeline under scrutiny over second Dollvet permit
Government’s commitments to foot-and-mouth disease vaccine supply are ambitious, but a remark by Department of Agriculture Director-General Mooketsa Ramasodi after last week’s engagement with farmers in KwaZulu-Natal raises questions about whether the system can meet Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen’s rollout timeline.
KZN dairy farmers question Steenhuisen over FMD response
Tensions were high in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands on 27 February as dairy farmers questioned Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen over government’s response to the foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) outbreak during the launch of the province’s mass vaccination rollout.
Gauteng scales up FMD vaccination as cases climb to 228
Gauteng’s battle against foot-and-mouth disease has entered what provincial authorities describe as its ‘most decisive phase’, with a scaled-up vaccination programme launched on 26 February as the number of confirmed cases continues to rise.
Dairy processors, producers unite against ‘disproportionate’ FMD rules
South Africa’s dairy industry has warned that inconsistent and non-standardised foot-and-mouth disease controls are placing it under mounting strain, despite scientific consensus that properly processed dairy products are safe for human consumption.
Wandile Sihlobo appointed Presidential Envoy on agriculture and land
President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed Wandile Sihlobo as Presidential Envoy on Agriculture and Land, where he will support government efforts in land reform, rural development and agricultural trade.
First one million FMD vaccine doses land in SA
South Africa marked a significant milestone in its fight against foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) on 21 February when the first one million doses of high-potency vaccine arrived at OR Tambo International Airport in Kempton Park, Gauteng.
Macadamia industry at export crossroads with hard lessons ahead
South Africa’s macadamia industry is at a turning point. After a decade of rapid growth and high prices, the sector is now entering a period of consolidation, tighter margins and increased structural risk, particularly concerning the growing export of unshelled nuts to Asia.
Three reasons for hope in the wake of FMD crisis
As foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) continues to wreak havoc on South African livestock farms, disrupting auctions, halting exports and placing enormous financial strain on producers, three significant developments this week are offering a measure of hope to an embattled industry.
Steenhuisen: ‘FMD is not under control but we have a plan to break its...
South Africa’s escalating foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) outbreak is “certainly not under control”, Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen told Farmer’s Weekly in an interview on Thursday, but he insists a decisive vaccination strategy, tighter biosecurity, and stronger public-private coordination will turn the tide.
FMD crisis: Zambia closes borders to South African livestock
Zambia has suspended all imports of livestock and related animal products from South Africa with immediate effect, citing biosecurity concerns over the country’s escalating foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) outbreak.
National FMD disaster: coordination breakthrough or centralisation risk?
South Africa’s escalating foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) outbreak has now been formally classified as a national disaster under Section 23 of the Disaster Management Act (No. 57 of 2002).
Bitter end looms for Tongaat Hulett as rescue efforts collapse
The long-running business rescue of Tongaat Hulett Limited has reached a decisive turning point, with joint business rescue practitioners (BRPs) applying to the KwaZulu-Natal Division of the High Court to discontinue rescue proceedings and place the 134-year-old sugar producer into provisional liquidation.
Does the FMD Industry Coordination Council actually have a voice?
Many in the agriculture sector welcomed Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen’s 21 January announcement of the formation of a foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) Industry Coordination Council. The body enables farmer organisations to join a three-way partnership aimed at strengthening and supporting the national FMD response.
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