Page 16 - SAPPO Boardpack l 13 May 2020

• During the FMD outbreak, the NAHF and government started
publishing a weekly report.
• The NAHF started taking over government functions, with
consequences.
• The NAHF became part of a respondent in a court case relating to
FMD.
• Direct communication with government is important and possible
without an intermediary structure.
• The NAHF developed to a stage where they serve as mouthpiece for
industries, which is not acceptable.

SAPPO decided to resign as a director of the NAHF. The industry should
remain self-regulated and not wait for government to do something. It
should be sustainable.

Dr Peter Evans and Johann Kotzé must speak to the minister on the
industry’s behalf. The industry should continue maintaining an open door
to government.

Lits SA
The meeting noted that the NAHF is currently the administrator of LitsSA.
SAPPO was uncomfortable with the arrangement as the pork industry will
only use an agency on its own terms. SAPPO is currently of the opinion
that there is a conflict of interest with LitsSA.

Comments:
After a short discussion, the following comments were noted:
- SAPPO worked hard enough to ensure good communication with
government.
- SAPPO does not have to be involved in the matters of the NAHF but
has to liase cordially with them to know what is going on.
- Dr Evans has a good relationship with government and SAPPO does
not need another middleman to communicate with them.
- The industry needs direct communication;
- The pork industry might not be allowed to give input in matters such as
FMD if it is not a member;
- SAPPO should not lose an opportunity to regain export status;
- SAPPO must stay focused on health;
- By being a strong industry, government could be influenced;
- Industries have to take responsibility for their own matters;
- An umbrella organisation on health is needed, not an individual talking
on behalf of all industries;
- Trust should be built on relationships;
- The industry can be consulted when necessary.

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