Xavier Radio Ug News 24 7
Communal areas will be among the first to benefit from the vaccination drive against Foot and Mouth disease.
President Cyril Ramaphosa gave this assurance to traditional and Khoi-San leaders in delivering the keynote address at the opening of the National House of Traditional and Khoisan leaders in Parliament.
A million vaccines arrived in the country earlier and five million more are expected soon to vaccinate the national herd.
Ramaphosa assured traditional leaders that the livelihood from communal cattle farmers is valued.
“We will use vax process to ensure that communal and small-scale farmers have access to them, in fact where FMD showed its eruption in communal areas, it’s where we will focus first. We will focus there first, then dairy farms, feed lots and the rest of the herd”
But there are many other pressing issues that also need attention including recognition, land and the right to mineral resources.
The Royal Traditional Leaders of South Africa’s Deputy President, Kgosi Selabe Masibi and the Congress of Traditional leaders of South Africa President, Kgoshi Mathupa Mokoena, aired their concerns.
“We have been fighting for our place in the sun with this new government. You can see in manner this house was constituted, the pomp and ceremony of opening for SONA, very different from what happened here today. My history tells me before there was any government in this country, it was led by the very same kings and traditional leaders whom it was said today, we don’t deserve to own our own minerals. what a shame.”
Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Velenkosini Hlabisa, had to step in.
“The demand communicated here, is clear and that is the government partnership must move from promises to action and proof. You have said it clear, after over 31 years, still not happen. Promises have been made but when it comes to proof and action, things are not matching.”
Hlabisa has called on traditional leaders to assist government in taking a firm stand against customary initiation schools where young men returned injured, maimed and even succumb to their wounds.
“We will adopt zero tolerance approach on negligent behaviour, want to support from royalty on consequence management. This year, winter season we are going to be tough, in order to save lives.”
www.sabcnews.com, https://www.sabcnews.com/sabcnews/ramaphosa-assures-traditional-leaders-communal-cattle-will-get-fmd-vaccination/
