Prices of beef continue to rise across the country since the government banned the importation of livestock and unprocessed meat from South Africa.
The ban was imposed in September after South Africa reported an outbreak of foot and mouth disease in several provinces, including KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng, Free State, Mpumalanga and North West.
Consumer Protection Association President, Nkareng Letsie, said the surge in prices is also linked to a decline in local supply. He explained that Lesotho mainly produces Nguni cattle, which take longer to mature, making it difficult to meet local demand.
Mr Letsie added that the limited market for beef has worsened the shortage, forcing most consumers to shift to chicken, which remains more affordable. He also urged the public to safely cook beef regardless of its country of origin, as some traders have begun importing from other nations.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and Nutrition’s Chief Information Officer, Lereko Masopha, confirmed that traders are now sourcing beef from Namibia and Botswana to fill the gap created by the ban.
