Midvaal approves 10% rebate for farmers affected by Foot-and-Mouth crisis

Midvaal Local Municipality has approved an additional 10% rebate on Property Rates to be granted to Agricultural Categorised properties affected by the Foot and Mouth Disease.

Foot and Mouth Disease has had a devastating impact on the agricultural and farming sector, resulting in livestock losses, export restrictions, and significant strain on farmers, with broader implications for economic growth.

In response to the severity of the outbreak, South Africa declared a National State of Disaster in terms of the Disaster Management Act, 2002 (Act No. 57 of 2002), as proclaimed by the President in February 2026.

In line with this declaration, Midvaal Council has approved the additional 10% rebate in accordance with the Municipal Property Rates Act, 2004 (Act No. 6 of 2004), as amended. Section 15(2)(d) of the Act makes provision for relief measures in instances where properties are affected by disasters or other serious adverse social or economic conditions.

This resolution was adopted during the Third Ordinary Council Meeting held on Thursday, 26 March 2026.

The rebate will be granted on an application basis and will apply for a period of 12 months from the date of approval. It will be subject to annual review or may be withdrawn upon the lifting of the National State of Disaster, whichever occurs first.

Midvaal remains committed to being a people-centred and compassionate institution, a core value that guides our strategic planning and service delivery.

It is for this reason that we acted to grant this rebate to our farmers, supporting them through this devastating national disaster and helping to safeguard their sustainability.