Wildlife from Harloo Private Reserve in South Africa crosses a failing veterinary cordon fence into Eswatini's Lavumisa communities, destroying crops and livestock. This raises foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) risks. Officials cite neglect and legal violations.
A veterinary cordon fence along the South Africa-Eswatini border is failing, allowing wildlife from Harloo Private Reserve in Pongola, KwaZulu-Natal, to enter Chibini, Mgampondo and Vuvu settlements under the Lavumisa chiefdom. Built in the colonial era to curb animal diseases, South Africa must construct and maintain the fence from Lavumisa to Hebron, while Eswatini patrols it. Harloo uses it as a game fence, contravening South Africa's Animal Diseases Act of 1984, experts say.
Communities suffer heavy losses. Resident Thokozani Mbhamali lost 11 calves, while Senzo Dlamini showed maize fields destroyed by bush pigs. Siphiwe Gina said women abandoned their community garden due to frequent raids. "One wonders whether there will be enough food for my family, given these daily losses. I fear guarding my fields at night," Dlamini said.
Dr Thembi Ndlangamandla, Eswatini's Ministry of Agriculture FMD focal person, confirmed cattle in Lavumisa-Hluthi tested positive for the SAT 2 FMD strain from Pongola. Veterinarian Dr Isaac Magagula explained bush pigs can transmit the virus to livestock. "These wild animals must be contained within a secure reserve using a game-proof fence," he said.
Officials offer conflicting responses. Agriculture Minister Mandla Tshawuka claimed ignorance of crop raids, calling it a diplomatic matter. Principal Secretary Sydney Simelane acknowledged the issue but noted slow diplomatic channels. Somntongo MP Sandile Nxumalo criticised the lack of visits, while Shiselweni administrator Themba Masuku urged prioritising citizens over diplomacy. Harloo owner Edmond Rouillard did not respond to queries.