Gov’t erects new containment fence to combat FMD
Innocent Selatlhwa | Monday July 6, 2026 06:00
Launching the exercise here on Saturday, Assistant Minister for State President, Defence and Security, Maipelo Mophuting-Dikoloti, described the project as a crucial step towards safeguarding farmers' livelihoods and preserving Botswana's reputation as a premium beef exporter.
'Today, we are not merely launching a fence; we are drawing a firm line to protect our national herd, secure access to premium international markets, and preserve the agricultural legacy that sustains our rural economy and provides food security for our nation,' she said.
The junior minister noted that Botswana has built a strong reputation over the years for controlling animal diseases through strategic zoning, adding that the new containment fence will strengthen efforts to isolate infected areas whilst protecting disease-free zones.
According to Mophuting-Dikoloti, the containment zones will allow veterinary officials to implement targeted measures such as emergency vaccinations and livestock movement controls without disrupting unaffected areas.
Additionally, she revealed the government is investing millions of pula in constructing the fence, which will serve as a physical barrier to prevent the spread of the disease from infected areas.
However, she stressed that government could not win the fight against FMD alone hence she urged communities, farmers, the private sector and other stakeholders to support the project by providing machinery, transport and other resources needed to complete the work on schedule. 'Wa esi gao ele,' she said, calling on Batswana to embrace the spirit of self-help and collective responsibility. The assistant minister also appealed to farmers to protect the newly constructed fence from vandalism, report illegal livestock crossings, fully utilise the Botswana Animal Information and Traceability System through branding and ear-tagging of cattle, and comply with livestock movement regulations. 'Livestock is our pride and our children's future,' Mophuting-Dikoloti added.
Welcoming guests on behalf of Kgosi Mosadi Seboko, Kgosi Mothusi Tsetse of Otse said community participation would determine the success of the project. He urged residents to avoid using illegal crossing points, warning that uncontrolled livestock movement continues to fuel the spread of FMD. Deputy Chairperson of the Ga-Malete District Council, Bernard Rantuana, also called on residents to work together to protect Botswana's livestock industry. He said the fight against the disease was an investment in future generations and urged communities to take ownership of the fence by helping to protect it from damage and vandalism. Meanwhile, the ministry's FMD National Coordinator, Dr Odireleng Thololwane, said the containment fence forms part of a broader disease control strategy designed to stop the spread of the outbreak beyond the affected areas.
He explained that the fence will stretch from Sakutswane Farms near the Otse Junction, through Mmakgodumo in Kanye, Goora Seno, along the Kanye-Mmathethe Road, passing Kanngwe, Mmalore, Mosi Farms, Tsoanyaneng, Sekhutlane, and Banyana Farms before ending at Werda in Kgalagadi South. Thololwane added that vaccination of cattle within the containment zone is progressing well. The Gamalete launch forms part of a nationwide campaign to strengthen Botswana's response to the outbreak. Elsewhere, Minister of Lands and Agriculture, Dr Edwin Dikoloti, officially launched a similar fence erection exercise along the containment line at Tsoaneng-Sekhutlane. He praised community volunteers for their commitment to the project and urged village leaders to safeguard the fence from vandalism whilst encouraging farmers to comply with all veterinary protocols.
During a follow-up visit to inspect progress, Dikoloti applauded volunteers after they completed 3.7 kilometres of fencing in just two days, describing the achievement as proof of what communities can accomplish when they work together. At Mmathethe, Assistant Minister of Lands and Agriculture, Motsamai Motsamai, launched the 'Letsema le Thata ka Mong' volunteer initiative, where he commended farmers, Dikgosi and community members for supporting government's efforts to contain the disease. He said movement restrictions introduced to control FMD have affected livestock sales and disrupted social and cultural activities such as weddings, funerals, and traditional ceremonies involving cattle. However, he said the temporary measures remain necessary to protect Botswana's livestock industry and preserve access to international beef markets.