Kouga Local Municipality hosted Agriculture Minister Willie Aucamp in Humansdorp and Patensie on Friday, 18 September 2026.
The visit focused on flood damage across Kouga and the continuing national response to foot-and-mouth disease. Local farmers also had an opportunity to raise their concerns directly with the minister.
Kouga Executive Mayor Hattingh Bornman welcomed the visit. He said agriculture supported production, employment and livelihoods across the region.
“We appreciate the minister taking the time to come to Kouga, listen to our farmers and see some of the challenges first-hand,” Bornman said.
Support After The May Floods
Severe floods and storms caused widespread agricultural damage across Kouga in May. More than 10% of the Gamtoos Valley citrus crop was damaged after the Gamtoos River burst its banks.
The Kouga area was subsequently included in the disaster classification. However, this does not amount to a declared state of disaster.
A classification formally recognises a disaster and establishes responsibility for coordinating the response. A formal declaration can activate additional measures and help mobilise further resources.
Aucamp said he had met with the Eastern Cape Department of Agriculture to discuss its assessment of the damage.
He also undertook to approach Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa. The aim is to have the affected area considered for a formal disaster declaration.
Government And Farmers Must Work Together
The meeting also focused on South Africa’s foot-and-mouth disease outbreak, which was classified as a national disaster in February 2026.
Aucamp told farmers that government could not manage the outbreak alone.
“This is the largest outbreak of FMD ever. We learn as we go along and find solutions together,” he said.
He encouraged cattle farmers to vaccinate their herds. Government would continue vaccinating in areas affected by new outbreaks and assist farmers who could not afford it.
“Vaccines are insurance for your herds,” Aucamp said.
He added that controlling the disease required cooperation between government, farmers, industry bodies and other stakeholders.
“We are in it together.”
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