Farmers have welcomed a major legal victory after the High Court in Pretoria ordered Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen to establish a new veterinary council without delay.
The urgent court application was brought by Mongezi Menye, CEO of the South African Veterinary Council, highlighting long-standing governance gaps in the veterinary sector.
Clear timelines set by court
Judge Nicolene Janse van Nieuwenhuizen directed that within 15 days, Minister Steenhuisen must appoint a selection panel to advise him on council designations. Once the panel submits its recommendations, the minister is required to constitute the new veterinary council within 25 court days.
Menye confirmed that the timeline aligns with the minister’s schedule and expects the new council to be appointed by around 20 January 2026. The council’s inaugural meeting will follow shortly after, allowing its work to resume promptly.
Boost for farmers and veterinary oversight
The ruling is being hailed as a win for the agriculture and farming community, which relies on an effective veterinary council to ensure regulation, animal health, and professional standards.
Farmers and industry stakeholders have stressed that the delay in forming a fully functional council has impacted governance and slowed decision-making on key veterinary matters. The court’s intervention ensures that oversight responsibilities can be restored quickly.
Looking ahead
The newly constituted council will now be tasked with guiding veterinary practice, maintaining professional standards, and protecting South Africa’s livestock health and safety.
Farmers are optimistic that this judicial push will prevent future delays and create a more accountable, responsive veterinary governance structure.
