You waited too long to go to court – Judge tells Feedlotters

In the matter which was dismissed by the court recently, Beef companies, JS Beef (Pty) Ltd and Primefast (Pty) Ltd, were suing the Director of Veterinary Services, Dr Kobedi Segale, and the Minister of Lands and Agriculture, Dr Edwin Dikoloti, and the Attorney General (AG), amongst others, over FMD restrictions, slaughter and exporting cattle.

In his ruling, Tshosa said the applicants had continued with communications and meetings for about four months (April to July 2026), despite it becoming apparent that the discussions were “not bearing any fruits”. Justice Tshosa said the applicants should instead have moved to court immediately to seek the relief they eventually sought. “The Applicants had to file an application immediately seeking the orders that they now seek,” the judge said.