‘Northern beef’ on Independence plates

Despite constant questions about the quality and safety of beef from north of the controversial red line, Omusati governor Erginus Endjala confirmed that guests attending Independence Day celebrations in Outapi next week will be treated to beef sourced locally.“If we are to buy and import meat from the southern side, it would be economic sabotage. There is nothing wrong with our meat and we will be sourcing it locally,” he said.Critics of the veterinary cordon fence (VCF), as the red line is also known - such as activist Job Amupanda who is fighting for its removal in the courts - say the fence discriminates against northern farmers who cannot access lucrative export markets.This is because their meat is not allowed to pass the red line due to fear of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) contamination. Meat for domestic consumption is also not allowed to cross the fence.Endjala said people who keep saying meat from the northern side of the fence is contaminated continue to discriminate against northern farmers - as was done in the past.“We consume this meat, so it is also a chance for us to support the local farmers during the celebrations,” he said.Double standardsOmukwaniilwa of Ondonga, Fillemon Shuumbwa Nangolo, lashed out at the double standards of government ministers who consume meat originating from north of the VCF while maintaining a hardline stance against its removal due to fears of exposure of the meat to animal diseases.It is his view that a lasting solution - which is favourable to farmers north of the red line - must be found soon.Nangolo said government should either remove the red line or find a solution that gives northern farmers equal access to the same markets enjoyed by their southern counterparts."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.”N$2 million budgetEndjala also revealed that government has allocated N$2 million for the Independence Day celebrations.He expressed concern over the “limited budget” as they anticipate 12 500 attendees."We must, however, soldier on and see how best we can work with what we have on the table," the governor said.He added that they have also cancelled plans to host a pre-Independence Day event and will instead focus on the main day.As next Tuesday draws closer, Endjala called on all Namibians to join them at the Olufuko Centre to celebrate those “whose blood waters our freedom”.He further took a swipe at a planned nationwide protest against unemployment on 21 March by the Namibia Economic Freedom Fighters (NEFF), saying those organising the demonstration should not forget that even the freedom they are enjoying to organise themselves was gained through bloodshed.

‘Northern beef’ on Independence plates

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Namibian Sun 2025-05-13

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‘Northern beef’ on Independence plates

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Namibian Sun 2025-05-13

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