WINDHOEK – The Red Meat Producers Organisation (RPO) of South Africa is in a fresh bid to have Namibian livestock products’ export to South Africa subjected to stricter controls, citing lack of compliance.
The strict import requirements of Namibian livestock and livestock products into South Africa could be re-imposed if the RPO in South Africa has its way.
The Livestock Producers Organisation (LPO) Chairperson, Mecki Schneider, has met the chairperson of the Red Meat Producers Organisation (RPO) in South Africa, Lardus van Zyl as well as the Executive Manager, Gerhard Schutte. From the talks it was clear that the RPO are still maintaining their view that the import of animals from Namibia to South Africa do not comply with all the requirements as contained in the South African legislation, and that they will request the South African Department of Veterinary Services to re-instate the strict requirements for exports to South Africa. The SA meat industry expects that the SA Department of Veterinary Services will announce certain regulations in this regard where after role players in the SA meat industry will have the opportunity to react.
At the same time talks were held between the Namibia Agricultural Union (NAU) under their President, Derek Wright, and the Meat Board with the SA Feed and Abattoir Association.
This association was successful to have the strict import requirements of animals from Namibia to South Africa put aside. This point of view is, however, direct contrast with the point of view of the RPO, which puts the SA Department of Veterinary Services in a very uncomfortable position as no uniform point of view can be formulated from the SA meat industry.
The Meat Board of Namibia in the meantime is busy with proactive actions to prove animal health status, especially being free of sicknesses such as lung sickness, brucella and tuberculosis.