To tackle unemployment and improve access to animal health services in rural areas, the Eastern Cape Government has invested R512,000 to support 13 animal health technicians (AHTs) to set up their own primary animal health facilities.
The initiative is led by the Eastern Cape Development Corporation, through its Tsolo Agricultural and Rural Development Institute (TARDI), in partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and the Eastern Cape Department of Agriculture.
training program
The program follows legislative reforms introduced in 2022, which created a framework enabling AHTs to operate as private sector entrepreneurs. The reforms are designed to increase access to animal health services, encourage job creation and unlock economic opportunities for graduates.
The 13 beneficiaries are part of the first group who received training at TARDI, focusing on both business development and animal health.
MEC for Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism, Noncubela Peters, officially handed over the starter kits to the young entrepreneurs. The kit includes essential equipment, such as animal branding kit, a dosing gun, animal castration equipment, biosafety equipment, mini fridge, cooler box and microscope, among others.
serious interference
Speaking at the handover ceremony on Tuesday, Peter described the establishment of primary animal health facilities within local communities as a “crucial intervention”.
“This decentralizes service delivery, reduces cost and time burden on farmers, and strengthens the first line of defense against animal disease and livestock loss. We are increasing biosecurity and disease surveillance capacity at the community level,” Peters said.
One of the beneficiaries, Zimasa Kwele, who owns a primary health facility in Alfred Nzo district, said the support will significantly increase business.
“This equipment will enable my company to operate as a fully fledged animal health care facility,” Quayle said.
Quayle also expressed appreciation for the coordinated intergovernmental effort, noting that the collaboration was instrumental in ensuring that AHTs in the province were empowered with the business skills to run successful enterprises.
changes in agricultural sector
Representing the Department of Agriculture, Deputy Director General Mathozami Gokwana said the program marks a transformation in the country's agriculture sector.
“There is now an opportunity for AHT to work with the government in fighting foot and mouth disease (FMD), which the government is fighting effectively in collaboration with private veterinarians,” Gokwana said.
Chief Executive Officer of the South African Veterinary Service, Mongezi Manye, described the initiative as a milestone in transforming the South African veterinary landscape.
Menye said, “For too long, the story of the animal health technician in this country has been one of untapped potential. We were faced with a heartbreaking reality where, according to a 2021 Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) survey, 32% to 60% of our AHT graduates sat at home unemployed, while our rural farmers, the heartbeat of our agricultural economy, remained severely underprivileged.”
Menye emphasized that the success of AHT will ultimately be measured by improvements in animal health in rural communities.
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