VET DIRECTOR UNDER FIRE AS BEEF PRICES SURGE

MBABANE  - As beef prices soar to unprecedented levels, squeezing household budgets across the country, the finger of blame has been pointed at the Director of Veterinary and Livestock Services, Dr Xolani Dlamini. Accused of serious misconduct, Dr. Dlamini is facing potential suspension following allegations of unilaterally halting cattle imports from South Africa.Principal Secretary (PS) in the Ministry of Agriculture Sydney Simelane has called for Dlamini’s suspension, citing a series of alleged offences, including allegedly unilaterally banning cattle imports from South Africa, which has contributed to a sharp increase in beef prices.

“Your actions have caused the depletion of the herd of cattle in the country and resulted in the skyrocketing of the price of beef to unaffordable levels for the ordinary citizen,” said the PS. The Civil Service Commission (CSC) has since issued a show-cause letter to Dr Dlamini, requesting an explanation as to why he should not be suspended from his duties.
The PS alleges that Dr Dlamini repeatedly disregarded directives from his superiors, including the PS himself and the minister for Agriculture. This included the alleged unilateral ban on cattle imports from South Africa, purportedly implemented without consultation, which is believed to have significantly depleted the country’s cattle herd and driven up beef prices. Furthermore, the PS accuses Dr Dlamini of unilaterally banning the importation of milk and milk products, despite the authority for such permits residing with the Dairy Board. This action is alleged to have negatively impacted the business community and the country’s economy.

Claims

These allegations are contained in a letter which now forms part of the evidence in court. The PS also claims that Dr Dlamini defied instructions to resolve an impasse between his department and butchery owners, leading to unnecessary closures. Simelane further alleges that Dr Dlamini has fostered a negative and insubordinate work environment within his department, including condoning staff’s defiance of directives from the PS. Dr Dlamini is also accused of issuing a letter to South African counterparts suspending cattle imports due to Foot and Mouth Disease without proper authorisation. This action contradicted a media statement from the South African Ministry of Agriculture that allowed imports from FMD-free provinces.

The PS contends that Dr Dlamini’s actions constitute serious misconduct and a breach of Civil Service regulations. The show-cause letter demands an explanation from Dr Dlamini as to why he should not face disciplinary action and suspension, pending the outcome of the investigation. In response, Dr Dlamini wrote to the PS and the minister, where he vehemently denied allegations of gross misconduct levelled against him. In a strongly worded response to the PS, Dr Dlamini refuted claims of negligence in his duties, defiance of ministerial instructions and negative influence on veterinary staff.

The dispute stems from the ongoing Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) outbreak in South Africa, which has significantly impacted beef prices in Eswatini. Dr Dlamini emphasised the adherence to international protocols and the importance of suspending imports from infected regions to safeguard the country’s livestock. He further countered accusations of unilaterally banning imports from South Africa, stating that such decisions are guided by international standards and national legislation.The director also challenged the ps to substantiate allegations of interfering with veterinary staff and obstructing the issuance of necessary import permits. He highlighted the importance of maintaining open communication channels with international trading partners and the need for a conducive working environment for veterinary professionals.

Impact

Dr Dlamini concluded his response by expressing concerns about the potential impact of these unsubstantiated accusations on his professional reputation and the morale of his staff. He called for a fair and impartial investigation into the matter.

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