Minister defends Walvis Bay 3000 cattle shipment
Agriculture Minister Inge Zaamwani defended the export of 3 000 cattle to Mauritius that were loaded onto a ship in Walvis Bay, stating that all required export permits were duly issued and the transaction fully complied with the law.
This follows mounting backlash from lawmakers and the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) over alleged lack of oversight at the Walvis Bay loading site.
“We have also learned of the export of 3,000 cattle to Mauritius over the weekend. This was a private transaction with auctioneers. As we normally do, farmers take their cattle to auction, and buyers purchase them. Where the cattle go thereafter, whether to feedlots or export, is beyond that point,” Zaamwani said in response to concerns raised in Parliament.
She stressed that the ministry’s involvement was limited to compliance with the law. “We issued the necessary export permits as required, and all levies for cattle exported on the hoof were duly paid to the Livestock and Livestock Products Board of Namibia,” she said.
The minister was responding to pointed questions from Member of Parliament Vetaruhe Kandorozu, who pressed the government on transparency and inclusivity around the new export market.
“We have noted, including through the media, the movement of approximately 3 000 cattle exported to Mauritius. The public and the farming business community want to understand this new market, how it was identified and how it will benefit farmers at grassroots level,” Kandorozu said.
He further highlighted longstanding frustrations with access to the South African market.
“Previously, that market was very restrictive. Only certain individuals could enter into agreements with feedlot operators, and farmers were often referred to specific intermediaries who dominated the trade,” he said.
“With this new niche market in Mauritius, how will the government ensure that the benefits reach communal farmers? And how will farmers be supported to directly access and participate in this trade route?” Kandorozu asked.
The controversy has been amplified by the SPCA, which claims it was denied access to the Walvis Bay docking site on 22 March, preventing inspectors from monitoring the loading process and the welfare of the animals.
The organisation warned that the lack of independent oversight raises serious concerns, citing risks such as stress, injury, dehydration, heat exposure and even death during long sea voyages.
Zaamwani acknowledged that Mauritius represents a new and growing market with strong demand.
“They are expected to return next month for a similar number of cattle. We now need to engage stakeholders to ensure the benefits are spread more equitably among farmers,” she said.
The shift comes as Namibia’s traditional export pipeline to South Africa weakens, largely due to biosecurity concerns linked to the spread of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD).
“We could not take that risk under the current circumstances,” Zaamwani said.
The government is now pivoting towards strengthening local capacity, including expanding feedlot infrastructure.
“We are developing our own feedlot market. Work is ongoing at Etunda in the northern communal areas, and we are exploring further opportunities on this side of the veterinary cordon fence to build a more inclusive and integrated system,” she said.
