Steenhuisen

Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen has requested a full report on the recent election process of the South African Veterinary Council (SAVC), following worries about how clear and fair the whole thing was. These issues have popped up from vets and others in the field, who say mixed messages about voting times confused people and might have left some out, while questions linger over who could run, how checks were done, and if the team in charge was truly neutral.

What Sparked the Minister’s Move

The trouble started when folks in the veterinary world raised red flags about the SAVC’s latest election. This council plays a big role in keeping animal health on track across the country, making sure vets and their helpers follow the rules and give top-notch care. Set up back in 1982 under the Veterinary and Para-Veterinary Professions Act, the SAVC makes it a must for all vets, nurses, lab techs, and animal physios to sign up before they can work. It covers everything from farm animals to pets and wildlife, even tying into bigger ideas like One Health, which links animal well-being to people and the environment.
But this time around, the election hit snags. People complained about jumbled info on when to vote, which could have shut out some who should have had a say. Then there are doubts about whether all candidates met the mark, if the checks on them were even-handed and free from bias, and if the panel running the show was up to scratch. On top of that, some say the whole setup was not easy to follow or get into, which might make the new council seem less fair and true to the wide range of voices in the field.
The department put it plainly: “These include inconsistent and conflicting communications to registered veterinary professionals regarding voting deadlines that created confusion and may have resulted in the exclusion of some eligible participants.
“In addition, questions have emerged about the eligibility of certain candidates, the fairness and independence of the verification process, and the overall credibility of the selection panel tasked with overseeing the elections.
“Stakeholders have also alleged that the process lacked sufficient clarity and accessibility, potentially undermining the representativity and legitimacy of the council.”
These gripes matter because the SAVC is not just any group – it sets standards for how animals get treated, from stopping diseases on farms to caring for pets in tough economic times. Vets have warned before about owners cutting corners on care due to high costs, but the council pushes for better access through things like insurance and team work among pros. If trust dips, it could hurt how well the sector works for everyone.

Steenhuisen’s Firm Steps to Fix Things

Minister Steenhuisen, who took the agriculture job after the 2024 elections as part of the new government mix, jumped in quick. He stressed that when doubts creep in about how these key bodies run, leaders must step up to keep faith strong. “Good governance is not optional; it is foundational. Public confidence in statutory regulatory bodies such as the SAVC rests on transparent, credible and procedurally fair processes. My actions are intended to ensure that these standards are upheld without compromise,” he said.
Here is what he has done so far:

• Asked for a complete rundown from his department, including legal views on if the election was solid and followed the rules.
• Told the Portfolio Committee on Agriculture in Parliament about the problems, so they can keep an eye and do their oversight job right.
• Told the Director-General to get ready to start the election over if the lawyers say the old one does not hold up.
  He also made clear his team will work hand-in-hand with vets and others to rebuild confidence and make sure next rounds hit the mark on openness and freedom from meddling, lining up with top guides like the King IV Code on good running of things.
  This move fits Steenhuisen’s bigger push for clean leadership in farming, where he has tackled other headaches like bird flu outbreaks that threaten food supplies. Just recently, a new case of high-path bird flu popped up in the Western Cape, showing why strong, trusted bodies like the SAVC are key to quick responses and keeping animals safe.
  Why the SAVC Election Matters to Everyday South Africans
  The SAVC oversees a bunch of jobs that touch many lives. Vets handle everything from fixing broken legs on dogs to controlling bugs that could spread to people. Para-vets, like nurses and techs, help with lab tests, rehab for hurt animals, and even research on new treatments. There are rules to make sure they all work together for the best results, especially when money is tight and folks might skip check-ups.
  In hard times, the council has called on owners not to cut back on care, pointing to options like pet cover to ease the load. Vets say their work – from surgery to scans – costs a lot because gear and training add up, but it is still cheaper here than overseas. Skipping it could mean more sick animals and bigger bills later.
  If the election gets redone, it could mean a fresh start with clearer steps, like better online access for voting and stricter checks on who runs. This would help the council stay true to its goal: safe, ethical care for all animals, from cows on farms to birds in labs.

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