Urgent action to address the uncontrolled livestock roaming on the R730 is urgently needed.
Abigail Schoeman, DA councillor, is calling for urgent municipal response to the livestock hazard in Matjhabeng. She has submitted formal questions to the Matjhabeng Council to compel urgent action.
“The Matjhabeng Municipality’s failure to control roaming livestock is a growing threat to public safety, animal welfare, and public health. Motorists and residents have repeatedly raised concerns about cattle wandering freely across Matjhabeng. This negligence endangers human lives and directly violates basic traffic and public safety standards. It is equally alarming to frequently see animals drinking from and walking through raw sewage. This is cruel and unhygienic. It has serious implications for animal health and the wider community,” she says.
Exposure to raw sewage increases the risk of infectious diseases in livestock. These conditions also heighten concerns about Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) outbreaks, which have devastating consequences for food safety, the economy, and the agricultural sector.
“Despite multiple public appeals and an escalating risk, the municipality has not implemented adequate measures. The municipality still needs to manage livestock. On 10 July, I submitted a formal question to the Council per Rule 52 of the Standard Rules and Orders. The submission raised critical concerns about the establishment of the pound. Until clear and decisive action is taken, residents remain at risk. Matjhabeng continues to fall short of its responsibility to ensure a safe and healthy environment,” she says.
