This week, Western Cape Premier Alan Winde chaired a meeting of the Premier’s Coordinating Forum (PCF), bringing together provincial leadership and municipal representatives to strengthen cooperation on key challenges facing the province.
The PCF is a consultative intergovernmental body designed to enhance partnerships and coordination between the Western Cape Government and municipalities across the province.
Foot-and-Mouth Disease response
The forum received an update on the provincial response to the national outbreak of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD), with efforts underway to contain the spread within the Western Cape.
To date, 41 019 vaccine doses have been administered at 239 vaccination sites across the province.
Additional developments in the response include:
- Additional vaccine doses are being sent to the Western Cape.
- 29 private veterinarians are now assisting with vaccination efforts.
- Awareness signboards are being prepared to inform farmers and the public about FMD risks and prevention measures.
Through the PCF, the provincial government once again called for provinces to be allowed to procure their own vaccines to strengthen the speed and effectiveness of the response.
The forum also urged the national Department of Agriculture to urgently finalise the implementation of a livestock movement permitting system.
Premier Winde stressed that this measure is particularly critical as the long Easter weekend approaches.
“Managing the movement of livestock is essential to preventing further spread of the disease,” said Premier Winde, adding, “Multiple provincial departments are working closely with municipalities to monitor livestock movement and implement high-visibility enforcement operations on key routes.”
Premier Winde reaffirmed that cooperation between the provincial government, municipalities and national departments remains essential to protecting livelihoods, jobs and safeguarding the agricultural sector. “Agriculture is a major economic driver in our region, and we must do everything we can to protect it,” he said.
Western Cape Minister of Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism, Dr Ivan Meyer, added “I want to express my deepest gratitude to every veterinarian, technician, farmer, municipal official, and enforcement officer who has been working tirelessly on the frontlines of FMD response. The scale and speed of our collective effort—reflected in thousands of animals vaccinated, strengthened surveillance, and coordinated movement controls—demonstrate the Western Cape’s unwavering commitment to protecting our agricultural sector. Together, we are not only responding to the current outbreak but also building long-term capacity to protect livelihoods, strengthen rural economies, and maintain the integrity of the Western Cape’s agricultural production.”
Response to water security challenges
The forum also discussed ongoing water security challenges affecting several municipalities.
Premier Winde emphasised the importance of continued investment in water infrastructure and long-term resilience planning.
“While we still have water, all municipalities must continue investing in installing and maintaining critical water infrastructure,” said Premier Winde.
He added, “We must also consider water reclamation and desalination as long-term solutions. At the same time, demand management and water conservation remain essential pillars of our Water Resilience Strategy.”
The province’s Water Resilience Strategy continues to be implemented across local governments in the Western Cape.
While some areas, including Swellendam and Laingsburg, have received good rainfall over the past several days, municipalities are still being urged to intensify water-saving measures.
“We are working closely with municipalities to develop appropriate responses to ensure that localised challenges do not escalate into a broader disaster,” said the Premier.
Protecting critical infrastructure
The Premier also condemned incidents of vandalism and theft targeting essential water infrastructure in parts of the province.
“Several municipalities across the Western Cape are facing water security challenges that require sustained and coordinated action. Damage to critical infrastructure undermines the ability of municipalities to deliver water services to residents,” said Premier Winde.
He stated, “I condemn in the strongest possible terms the vandalism and theft of water infrastructure. Those responsible must face the full might of the law.”
Enquiries:
Media Liaison Officer to the Premier
Regan Thaw
Cell: 083 627 7246
E-mail: Regan.Thaw@westerncape.gov.za
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