Ondonga king blasts red line ‘hypocrisy’

Omukwaniilwa of Ondonga Fillemon Shuumbwa Nangolo has hit out at the double standards of government ministers who consume meat originating from north of the veterinary cordon fence (VCF) while maintaining a hardline stance against its removal due to fears of exposure of the meat to animal diseases.

It is Nangolo’s view that a lasting solution that accommodates the aspirations of farmers north of the fence must be found soon.

Critics of the red line, as the fence is known, such as activist Job Amupanda, who filed a court challenge for its removal, say the fence discriminates against northern farmers who cannot access lucrative export markets, unlike farmers south of the VCF.

Apart from commercial blockades, even meat for domestic consumption is not allowed to cross the red line.

Confusing attitudes

Speaking on The Agenda last night, Nangolo said the government should either remove the red line or find a solution that gives northern farmers equal access to the same markets enjoyed by their counterparts south of the red line.

"There are two things. We are confused. The ministers, when they visit the [Ondonga] palace, we slaughter goats and cattle and they eat. But what is the meaning of the red line? They say our cattle have diseases, but they are eating them," he said.

"It doesn’t help to have the red line but when you are here, you are consuming the meat. And when you go back to Windhoek, you say the meat is contaminated," he said.

The king’s options

Nangolo said if the government is unable to remove the red line entirely, it should put measures in place and allow northern farmers to quarantine their cattle and later transport them south of the red line for export purposes.

"The trade of cattle from the Gam area can take place after 24 days of quarantine. [Government must] remove the red line or give us an option to quarantine and allow us to take our cattle wherever we want to take them after that," he said.

"It is a pity to see other farmers benefitting, and here we have the same cattle, same breed, and we are qualified farmers, but others are gaining, and we are struggling to sell ours because there is no market."

Nangolo was quick to add that he had not discussed the two alternatives with any of the high-level government officials yet - but plans to do so soon.

Unprofitable farming

Nangolo said the farmers in the northern areas can have large cattle herds - about 500 to 600 head of cattle - but there is no commercial value for them.

By 2018, farmers north of the redline had over 1.6 million cattle, about 700 000 goats and 430 000 sheep, but the animals have limited to no access to regional and international export markets, Nangolo said.

"Imagine how many calves they can give you in a year. An Osi [cattle breed], once it grows to six years, you can sell it to the women at the open market, but during those years you are not making any income."

"The shops such as Spar, Choppies and Shoprite are now giving a platform to our local people. However, they are requesting that one should have a proper abattoir. At least a bit of the market is coming. I suggest government should tell the franchise not to buy outside the red line when they are here, but to procure from the locals so that our people can also enjoy the fruits of a free Namibia," Nangolo said.

Don’t shift to Angolan border

Some farmers have suggested that the fence be moved to the border with Angola, as many infectious diseases originate from the neighbouring country.

Nangolo does not agree with this idea.

He says the fence will be cut down by locals within days of its erection.

"Namibia and Angola exchange people on a daily basis. Husbands and wives; one dwells in Angola and another in Namibia. It will not be possible for government to control the movement of these people," he concluded.

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