A Crisis Demands Competence

MARKUS TREDE WRITES:Many farmers in our country have noted with deep concern the remarks recently made by the Honourable Minister Inge Zaamwani before the National Assembly regarding the Government’s response to the current Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) outbreak, as published by The Namibian on October 8th. According to the Minister's statement, the Directorate of Veterinary Services (DVS) only informed her on Sunday that culling is generally considered most effective when implemented within 24 to 48 hours following the detection of FMD. This statement raises important questions regarding the level of preparedness and urgency with which the FMD outbreak has been addressed at the highest levels. For many months, veterinary experts, industry stakeholders and the Farmers’ Unions have been discussing contingency measures and response strategies for a potential FMD outbreak. In a crisis of this magnitude, decision-makers must have immediate access to the relevant technical information, international best practices, and established contingency plans. It is therefore concerning that key aspects of internationally recognized disease-control measures appear not to have been fully appreciated during the critical early stages of the outbreak response. Even a simple internet search would have made it immediately apparent that around the world the culling of infected animals and their contact animals must commence within 24 hours at the latest. The Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform (MAWLR) took more than ten days to reach this conclusion after the outbreak was officially confirmed on 23 September 2026. The apparent delay in implementing the most appropriate response measures has now resulted in transitioning to a vaccination-based strategy. While vaccination is an important and internationally accepted disease-control tool, it also presents significant long-term challenges and may substantially prolong the country’s path to regaining unrestricted market access and disease-free status. I recognise and appreciate the considerable efforts being made by the Minister, her team, and all officials within the Directorate of Veterinary Services. Farmers across Namibia acknowledge the dedication, long hours and commitment demonstrated by those working to contain the outbreak under exceptionally difficult circumstances.At the same time, the scale of the crisis requires leadership that combines technical expertise, strategic vision, and the ability to implement urgent decisions rapidly and decisively. I therefore believe that the Government should carefully consider whether the current leadership structure is best suited to managing the next phase of the response. A large number of farmers – who, however, are unfortunately often too afraid to share their opinions publicly – respectfully call upon the Government to place the management of this crisis under the direction of individuals with extensive technical expertise in animal disease control and proven experience in emergency response management. We call on Minister Inge Zaamwani to step down and make way for a technocrat with proven expertise. At this critical moment, Namibia requires decisive action, swift implementation, and a clear strategic roadmap for recovery. FMD represents one of the most significant challenges facing Namibia’s agricultural sector and the whole Nation in recent decades. The consequences extend far beyond individual farming enterprises. The jobs and livelihoods of tens of thousands of people, the viability of an entire industry, and substantial portions of our national economy are at stake. For this reason, I believe the situation warrants an extraordinary national response and a national state of emergency should be declared. The government should mobilise all available national resources while simultaneously seeking technical and financial support from international partners with relevant expertise in disease control and recovery programmes. The vaccination strategy, together with the establishment of buffer zones, can only succeed if robust biosecurity measures are implemented and enforced consistently. The affected areas must be subject to strict movement controls, with the movement of livestock and cloven-hoofed game limited to the greatest extent possible. Kudu-safe fences must be erected immediately. Effective disinfection procedures for people, equipment, vehicles, and other potential vectors must be established at far more than ten roadblocks. The successful implementation of these measures will be critical to preventing the further spread of the virus. Given the rapidly evolving situation, I believe there is now an urgent need to move from planning to implementation. Now that a vaccination-based approach is being pursued, we must also begin planning for the future structure of our livestock industry. This will require extensive planning and substantial investment, which may only be achievable with international support. In particular, preparations should now begin for the eventual restoration of international market access under the framework established by the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH). To enable future export of live animals, this may require the development of quarantine facilities, testing capacity, transport protocols, and trade agreements, particularly with South Africa. Similarly, Namibia’s meat-processing sector must be supported in adapting to the requirements that may accompany future export opportunities under an FMD-free-with-vaccination status. Investments in processing infrastructure, especially facilities for deboning and maturation, and compliance systems may be necessary to ensure continued access to valuable export markets. The challenges facing our country may appear overwhelming. However, Namibia is not the first nation to face an outbreak of FMD. We are a resilient nation, and just as our elders and forefathers overcame similar challenges in the 1960s, the Namibian people will overcome today’s extraordinary challenges. With strong leadership, a clear strategy, broad national cooperation, and the support of the international community, I am confident we can successfully navigate this challenge and emerge with a stronger and more resilient livestock sector. * The above statement reflects the views and concerns expressed by Markus Trede, a farmer in the Omaruru District. It is not an official opinion of a Farmers Association or Union. I request that any publication of this statement notes this. – Letter shortened* Beste lesers, keuring vir die publikasie van WhatsApp, briewe en alle ander lesersbydraes berus by Republikein. Klagtes oor die diens van private besighede word eers aan die onderneming vir reaksie voorgelê. Die menings van ons lesers en rubriekskrywers verteenwoordig nie noodwendig die standpunt van Republikein nie. Republikein is ’n lid van die Redakteursforum van Namibië (EFN) en onderskryf die etiese kode vir die Namibiese media soos toegepas deur die media-ombudsman.

A Crisis Demands Competence

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Republikein 2026-10-21

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A Crisis Demands Competence

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Republikein 2026-10-21

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