Farmers’ unions embrace redline judgement

Namibian farmers’ unions received last week’s ruling on the veterinary cordon fence with mixed feelings.

In a statement issued by its president, Thinus Pretorius, the Namibia Agricultural Union (NAU) says this was an opportunity to move towards inclusive agricultural growth across the nation.

Affirmative Repositioning leader and parliamentarian Job Amupanda sought to have the veterinary cordon fence, also known as the redline, declared unconstitutional and pulled down.

However, judge Shafimana Ueitele dismissed his application last week, stating that Amupanda had failed to provide sufficient evidence to support his application.

Pretorius says NAU is focused on fostering an environment where all farmers can thrive without compromising their international standing.

“While discussions surrounding agricultural policy can often become emotional, the NAU remains committed to advocating decisions grounded in facts, and economic sustainability,” says Pretorius, adding that NAU envisions a future where all Namibian farmers have equal access to economic opportunities.

“However, NAU emphasises that achieving this transition requires careful planning that safeguards Namibia’s hard-earned reputation in global markets,” he says.

According to the veteran farmer, the recent legal ruling provides a framework to ensure that Namibia’s agricultural policies are driven by informed decision-making.

He says NAU is dedicated to working collaboratively with all stakeholders to create inclusive policies that effectively integrate all farming communities into the broader economy.

“The NAU affirms that economic inclusivity is not just a goal but a necessity for national prosperity.

“Reckless changes driven by short-term sentiment could jeopardise jobs, food security and economic stability,” says the NAU president.

His sentiments were echoed by the executive manager of the Namibia Emerging Commercial Farmers’ Union (Necfu), Daniel Mahua, who says the redline is a bread and butter issue which should not be politicised or sensationalised.

“We respect the ruling of the court because we live in a country with laws and we have to abide by the rule of law,” he says.

The redline is a stock disease control mechanism that protects Namibia’s main beef exporting sector south of the fence from stock diseases such as foot-and-mouth disease and lung sickness.

Over the years, Namibia’s beef exporting industry has built a reputation as an industry that is committed to high standards.

Mahua says the country is getting billions of dollars from beef exports as Namibia’s beef is the envy of Africa and there are only a few other countries, like Botswana, that export to the lucrative European market.

“Let us not kill the goose that lays the golden egg and thereafter go begging for donations.

“We should instead uplift the beef sector in the northern part of the country and try getting lucrative markets for it,” he says.

Mahua says the Namibia National Farmers Union, which draws a large part of its membership from north of the redline; Necfu; and the Livestock Producers Organisation, an affiliate of NAU and the Previously Disadvantaged Commercial Farmers Union, were implementing pilot projects to improve marketing conditions in the northern communal areas and to protect the animal health status of Namibia.

“We are working with the department of veterinary services to improve the health status and marketing of cattle in the north,” he says.

Meanwhile, Amupanda has vowed to take his fight to have the redline pulled down to the Supreme Court on appeal.

A number of Namibians have taken to social media to express their views on judge Ueitele’s ruling.

Eve Siranda wrote: “Don’t panic, parliament will sort it out.”

Lobo Solitario says: “The government should focus on supplying beef to [the Democratic Republic of] Congo and Angola from the north side of the redline.

This market will improve the northern beef market.”

Kaivere Ua-Katjizeu wrote: “It was and has been an obvious judgement. Only the naive will believe the removal of the redline just like that. Put the control mechanisms in place and the redline will be a thing of the past.”

Likokoto Mukamwa chipped in: “This case was political in nature and should not have taken the legal route.”

But Monika Shilongo has a solution: “That was fair enough. So, let the parliament deal with it and get rid of the redline.”

Menzela Owela believes: “Correct decision indeed, that was a useless case, poorly presented in court, full of social media posts by complainant to drive public perceptions, no knowledge of the subject matter by complainant.”

Bravo Nti Peace says: “Our people need education. It’s sad how many people think the High Court judgement can be overturned by a parliament committee. A judgement is passed based on evidence.”

– email: matthew@namibian.com.na