Cape Town: The Disaster Coordinating Team of the City of Cape Town was first activated on February 17, 2026 in response to the declaration of a national disaster for Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD).
Reportedly, the City of Cape Town responded to the Foot and Mouth Disease outbreak which is coordinated by the Disaster Risk Management Centre. Apart from weekly meetings of the Disaster Coordinating Team (DCT), the City representatives also joined similar meetings of the Swartland Municipality and Provincial Government, to ensure that efforts are aligned.
One of the key activities in the past month has been enforcement escorts for veterinary staff who are administering vaccinations of small-scale and informal farmers around the Cape Town.
The Traffic, Law Enforcement and Metro Police Departments have provided escorts to Mfuleni, Delft, parts of Khayelitsha, Kalkfontein, Nyanga, Philippi East, Dunoon, Wallacedene and Macassar, that resulted in the successful vaccination of nearly 2600 livestock.
The Metro Police Department has also undertaken the full responsibility for manning the Foot and Mouth Disease checkpoints within Cape Town’s geographical boundaries. As these checkpoints are in the vicinity of Witsand and Klipheuwel.
Member of the Mayoral Committee for Safety and Security – Alderman JP Smith stated that the City will continue to support efforts to contain the Foot and Mouth outbreak in the metropole. As it surrounds to safeguard the investment the farmers made into their livestock, the families its supports and the wellbeing of the animals.
The escorts of officials are responsible for administering vaccines which means that they can focus on the task at hand. The staff have also been trained to conduct inspections of animals in transit and how to identify possible signs of infection.
According to Smith, they are also using the opportunity to build relationships with informal farmers. The current outbreak is a major challenge, but the sector is also a key roleplayer in the City’s broader efforts to achieve improved animal welfare and public safety.
The Western Cape Agri State Vet has provided training to City enforcement services staff, in collaboration with the Disaster Risk Management Centre. The centre is also supporting community education and awareness efforts, spearheaded by local and provincial health officials.