Matabeleland farmers are selfish, not honest, says Minister Zhanda

Agriculture, Mechanisation and Irrigation Deputy Minister responsible for livestock, Paddy Zhanda has said Bulawayo cattle owners are selfish and are peddling falsehoods that Government banned the movement of cattle.

Addressing stakeholders at a multi-stakeholder workshop for the validation of the Draft National Foot and Mouth Disease Control Strategy, Zhanda said the movement of cattle had always been the subject of restrictions.

"Government has never banned the movement of cattle. That must be emphasised. I do not know why the reporters used the word ban because I do not know where it is coming from and I am confirming that we have not banned the movement of cattle," he said.

"The movement of cattle has always been subject to restrictions, that is why a permit to move cattle is always sought before you move your cattle from one place to another depending on the disease outcome of that area. The veterinary officers then exercise caution where there is need to," he said.

Zhanda said the claim was emanating from Bulawayo only.

"The issue is emanating from Bulawayo, where it is initiated selfishly by few individuals who want us to allow cattle at Zimbabwe International Trade Fair grounds, where there was last outbreak. That means cattle from Gwanda, Matabeleland North and Insiza must converge at show grounds, risking the issue of foot and mouth outbreak and we cannot do that," he said.