Africa-Press – Eswatini. The Minister of Agriculture, Mandla Tshawuka, has urged livestock farmers across the country to ensure their animals are kept off public roads in order to prevent accidents and safeguard lives.
Speaking recently, Tshawuka emphasised that with Eswatini set to host a number of major national events in the coming weeks, it was more important than ever to ensure safe and efficient road travel. He stressed that stray animals on the country’s highways and rural routes not only endangered motorists but also placed the livestock themselves at great risk.
“We appeal to all livestock farmers to keep their livestock away from the country’s roads, as this is dangerous for road users, the animals, and the owners themselves. As Emaswati, we know that livestock represents wealth for its owners, and we believe no farmer would want to see their wealth scattered on the roads,” Tshawuka said.
The minister further noted that the influx of visitors and tourists for upcoming events meant that Eswatini’s road safety standards needed to be maintained at the highest level. “The lives of our people are precious. They cannot be lost due to accidents caused by livestock on the roads,” he said.
While acknowledging the challenge of stray animals, Tshawuka admitted that the country still faced limitations when it came to facilities for impounding livestock. Currently, the only operational pound is located in Manzini, creating logistical difficulties when confiscating animals from distant areas.
“It would be impractical to confiscate cattle from places such as Hlathikhulu and transport them all the way to Manzini,” he explained, highlighting the urgent need for additional facilities to address the problem.
Road safety has become a growing concern in Eswatini, with incidents involving stray cattle and goats frequently reported. Motorists have often complained about the danger posed by animals, particularly at night or in poorly lit rural areas.
The minister’s appeal is expected to spark wider discussions among policymakers, farmers, and local authorities on sustainable ways to manage livestock movement and prevent road accidents. Many believe that establishing regional pounds and strengthening community policing could be vital steps forward.
As Eswatini prepares for an influx of both local and international travellers, Tshawuka’s message serves as a timely reminder that road safety is a collective responsibility, and that farmers have a crucial role to play in protecting lives and livelihoods.
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