DA demands transparency after Eastern Cape approves R55m to combat FMD

The DA in the Eastern Cape has welcomed the provincial government’s approval of R55m in emergency funding to fight the outbreak offoot-and-mouth disease(FMD) and called for a clear implementation plan, strict oversight, and transparent procurement and distribution of vaccines. Finance MEC Mlungisi Mvoko authorised the allocation from the provincial revenue fund to the Eastern Cape agriculture department to support urgent response measures — including the procurement of vaccines, disease control interventions and related operational costs. Mvoko tabled the notice for emergency funding at the provincial legislature recently, saying the decision was necessary to protect the province’s livestock industry and rural economy.

“The rapid spread ofFMD poses a serious threat to our livestock industry, food security, and the livelihoods of many rural communities in the Eastern Cape,” he said. Section 25 of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) empowers the finance MEC to authorise expenditure of an exceptional and unforeseeable nature that cannot be postponed without serious prejudice to the public interest. “In terms of section 25 of the PFMA, I have approved R55m in emergency funding to ensure that the department of agriculture can immediately intensify vaccination programmes and containment measures,” Mvoko said.

“This allocation demonstrates our commitment to acting swiftly and responsibly in the face of this national disaster.” The approved emergency funding will be included in the 2026 medium-term expenditure framework budget documentation for tabling in the legislature in March. “Despite the fiscal pressures we face, the provincial treasury remains committed to ensuring that the government responds decisively to contain the spread of FMD and to minimise its socioeconomic impact,” Mvoko said. The DA in the province has welcomed the provincial government’s decision. DA MPL Heinrich Müller said the funding is a necessary and urgent step to contain the spread of the highly contagious disease, protect the province’s livestock sector, and safeguard food security and agricultural livelihoods.