Here are the laws on slaughtering animals for customary purposes

While responding to written questions, Cogta Minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma said there is no need for national legislation in terms of regulating the slaughtering of animals in urban areas for customary purposes.

Customary practices for slaughtering animals have not received additional legislation

NDZ was responding to the questions posed by EFF MP Khanya Ceza. Ceza inquired about action taken by the Traditional Affairs Department in introducing national legislation to revoke discriminatory by-laws that relate to permits that are often needed to slaughter animals for customary purposes in urban areas.

Dlamini-Zuma said Government has not introduced additional national legislation on this, explaining that this is guided by municipal by-laws and guidelines.

“These practices are currently guided by municipal by-laws and guidelines which are also informed by the Abattoirs Hygiene Act,”

she said.

Guidelines on this practice are available

She did note that the Commission for the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Cultural, Religious and Linguistic Communities released guidelines on the customary slaughtering of animals.

Dlamini-Zuma stated that the report says that seeking a municipality’s permission to slaughter is encouraged and no municipality may refuse an individual’s right to slaughter animals.

Speaking about the municipal by-laws, NDZ said these existed to ensure the slaughtering was not done in an inhumane manner. It also takes into consideration the health requirements and rights of others, reports IOL.

NDZ says the time period for applications needs to be revised

She said the Commission for the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Cultural, Religious and Linguistic Communities observed that the time period for the application of slaughtering in some municipalities needs to be revised in order to accommodate funerals.

“Similarly, the commission found that in other municipalities, the by-laws need to be made more explicit when it comes to expectations regarding slaughtering in a residential area.

“As part of its intervention to assist, the commission is arranging to meet with these municipalities to take these matters forward,” said Dlamini-Zuma.

Mandela Week: Chippa United slaughters cow for a village in EC

Meanwhile, it was previously reported that Chippa United has invited all its fans to join the ‘Pride of the Eastern Cape’ when they slaughter a cow, hand over a house, while also giving away full soccer kits and equipment to four identified local teams.

Siviwe Mpengesi and Premier will also donate 200 blankets to local elders of Deberha. This festivity will also serve as an opportunity for the supporters to engage with the 2022/23 Premier Soccer League season squad, while also getting a first glimpse of the new player signings and additional Club acquisitions ahead of the new season. Read the full story here.