The Gauteng pork industry has suffered significant financial losses exceeding R10 million due to seven outbreaks of African swine fever (ASF) in the City of Tshwane since November 2025.Over 60,000 pigs have been culled to contain the disease, with 69,171 affected across commercial and small-scale farming operations.

MEC Vuyiswa Ramokgopa confirmed the figures during a legislative reply, noting that the SA Pork Producers Organisation (Sappo) estimates R10m in costs for culling, carcass disposal, and labor.

The DA's Bronwynn Engelbrecht criticized the provincial response, urging stronger intervention and a comprehensive ASF strategy, including outbreak mapping and financial loss assessments.

She highlighted the dual threat of ASF and foot-and-mouth disease to food security and the meat industry, calling for improved early warning systems and veterinary support.The disease, while not harmful to humans, poses severe economic risks due to culling requirements.