Speech for the Rabies Project launch by MEC for Agriculture, Environmental Affairs and Rural Development, Mrs Lydia Johnson

Programme director
World Health Organisation (WHO) Representatives Present here today
Umhlathuze Mayor
Amakhosi
Ladies and gentlemen
Good Morning/Sanibonani

Yesterday we were celebrating our Human Rights Day, one of the important days in our calendar. It’s a day in which we reflect on our past while we celebrate the freedom we now enjoy. Human Rights Day is celebrated on 21 March every year because of what transpired on this day 1960.

The significance of this day emanates from the commemoration of the heroes and heroines who suffered in the Sharpeville Massacre. On 21 March in 1960 throngs of black people defied the oppressive segregation policy of pass law. They embarked on a protest march to the police station in Sharpeville without carrying their passes and demanded to be arrested.

They were met with fierce retaliation from the police who opened fire on the innocent crowd killing 69 people and wounding about 180 others. Now that day marked the height of the struggle for freedom and equality. We celebrate this day to remind ourselves of the great suffering and loss of life that marked the struggle for Human Rights.

Human Rights

The South African Human Rights Commission’s definition of Human Rights says:

“Human Rights are the rights that everyone has, simply because they are human beings. They are the rights we all have from the moment we are born. We do not have to earn them and they cannot easily be taken away from us”.

The list of human rights protected in South Africa is the Bill of Rights, which is Chapter 2 of the Constitution. The Constitution is the highest law of South Africa, everyone in South Africa, including the government, must follow it.

As government we are always mindful of how difficult it was for all of us to be able to equally, rightfully and proudly claim our rights. Therefore we will, at all times, work in such a manner that nobody will ever feel like his or her rights are being infringed.

The theme under which we marked our 51st anniversary of the Human Rights Day yesterday was “Working together to protect human dignity for all” The provincial cabinet led by the Premier Dr Zweli Mkhize, was at Nquthu yesterday and the President Mr Jacob Zuma and other national ministers were also speaking on this theme. I hope that all of you took a moment to reflect on this topic and more importantly, educate the young ones about it.

Rabies

Rabies originally entered KZN in 1976 from Mozambique and was successfully eradicated by 1976. Since then however he disease has again re-established itself in the province, and KZN became known as the worst affected province in South Africa, with by far the highest levels of both animal and human rabies. Due to its high population density in the province, KZN is well suited for the spread of the disease, which is primarily dependant on contact between infected domestic dogs which are the main vector of the disease.

However with great trial comes great innovation, and KZN veterinary services has established itself as a leader in the field of rabies control and because of this,has now attracted the attention and sponsorship for this exciting project, which we are here to launch today.

I am happy to announce that the disease is on a steep decline in the province with a 63% decrease in rabies cases since the establishment of the project, and we are now well positioned to eradicate rabies in domestic dogs. This project has now also become a reference centre for other provinces and countries seeking solutions to similar problems, and it has expanded its base as we saw this morning, to include primary healthcare of companion animals, as well as a number of research projects the results of which are already finding their way into the international arena.

It is by no accident that we meet here today in Uthungulu, as this has historically been the worst affected area in KZN. As we launch this project we implore the communities of KZN to support the mass vaccination programmess across the province, so that together we can stop this terrible disease that should so easily be avoided.

I wish to re-emphasise the following important aspects for our people:

  • Avoid all contact with stray, unknown or sick animals.
  • Report animals that are acting strangely to local authorities or the South African Police Service (SAPS).
  • Get all your dogs and cats, whatever their age vaccinated, it is the law!
  • If you or anybody you know is bitten by an animal in KZN:
    • Wash the wound under running water for five min.
    • Put disinfectant on the wound.

Rabies is endemic throughout South Africa and is responsible for 10 to 30 human deaths annually. That is why there is so much investment towards the campaign so as to protect our lovely and friendly domestic animals and lastly avoid an unnecessary loss of life. I encourage all of you to do as you have been asked. Take care of your dog’s health and vaccinate!!!

I thank you.
Ngiyabonga.

Province

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