Makana Local Municipality, the Department of Agriculture, and local livestock owners recently held a meeting to discuss the growing issue of stray animals and livestock within the municipality.
During the meeting, officials explained the municipal by-laws relating to livestock management and outlined how these regulations affect both livestock owners and the municipality. Particular attention was given to the responsibilities of animal owners in preventing livestock from roaming freely and the consequences of noncompliance.
The municipality also discussed recent tariff increases and provided details on the costs that livestock owners would have to pay should their animals be impounded. Farmers were encouraged to familiarize themselves with these tariffs to avoid unnecessary expenses.
Mrs Nontsikelelo Khatshaza from the Department of Agriculture explained the support available to farmers and livestock owners, particularly regarding boundary fencing. The department stated that it assists farmers and livestock owners by providing fencing materials within a stipulated timeframe. However, it was noted that the department no longer provides stipends as part of this support.
The department further highlighted the availability of dipping services for livestock. Farmers and livestock owners requiring access to dipping programmes were informed that they must provide the department with the number of animals they own in order to receive the necessary assistance.
In addition, various agricultural support programmes were presented. It was outlined how these initiatives assist farmers and livestock owners through resources and development opportunities aimed at improving farming operations and livestock management within the municipality.
The meeting provided an opportunity for farmers and livestock owners to engage with municipal and departmental representatives, gain clarity on regulations, and learn about the support services available to them and raise their own concerns.
The Makana proposed tariff increases for the 2026/2027 financial year relating to dog licences, stray livestock, pound fees, and animal maintenance services.
Key changes include:
* Dog licence fees will increase from R147.47 to R156.32 for male dogs and spayed females, while unspayed females will increase from R300.84 to R318.89.
* A fine of R1,500 will be imposed for contravening the municipal by-laws.
* Livestock impoundment fees for animals found trespassing on cultivated or uncultivated land will increase. For example:
* Horses, cattle and pigs: up to R241.85 per head.
* Goats and sheep: up to R171.07 per head.
* Pound fees will rise to:
* Horses, cattle and pigs: R254.83 per head.
* Sheep and goats: R114.44 per head per day.
* Donkeys: R101.46 per head.
* Maintenance (sustenance) fees for impounded animals will also increase, with charges ranging from R35.39 to R57.81 per animal per day/night, depending on the animal type.
* Additional charges include:
* Dipping fees for cattle: R66.15.
* Dosing fees for goats and sheep: R55.50.
* After-hours and weekend call-out fee: R450.50.
* Dog pound fees will also increase, with daily sustenance charges ranging from R35.39 for small dogs to R68.81 for giant dogs.
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Issued by the Makana Municipality Communications Office.
Customer Care 046 603 6134
