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A North Gauteng High Court judgment has brought much-needed clarity to the ongoing dispute surrounding the South African Veterinary Council (SAVC) elections. The decision marks a significant step toward restoring stability and continuity within the regulatory body, ensuring it can resume its vital role in overseeing the veterinary and para-veterinary professions across South Africa.
In a consent order issued by the Honourable Judge, Nicolene Janse van Nieuwenhuizen, the court confirmed that the minister of agriculture, John Steenhuisen’s earlier directives to rerun the SAVC elections have been withdrawn. This allows the lawful appointment of a new council to proceed without further delay.
The matter arose after the SAVC and its registrar and CEO, Mongezi Menye, approached the court to resolve uncertainty stemming from Steenhuisen’s instruction to repeat the election process for the veterinarian and veterinary specialist categories. The elections were originally held between 23 April and 22 May 2025.
After considering the submissions and hearing counsel for both sides, Judge Janse van Nieuwenhuizen issued an order by consent between the applicants – Menye (first applicant) and the SAVC (second applicant) – and the first respondent, Steenhuisen, along with the South African Veterinary Association (second respondent).
In terms of the order:
- Steenhuisen formally withdrew the directives previously issued to the SAVC and/or its registrar, instructing a rerun of the elections.
- The consultation process between Steenhuisen and the outgoing council, conducted for the purposes of appointing a selection panel under Section 5(1)(b) of the Veterinary and Para-Veterinary Professions Act, 1982 (Act 19 of 1982), was deemed duly completed.
- The applicants are therefore regarded as having met the statutory consultation requirement with the minister.
- The court also directed that Steenhuisen’s earlier instruction to repeat the consultation process under Section 5(1)(b) of the Act be withdrawn.
Under the consent order, Steenhuisen must appoint a selection panel in accordance with Section 5(1)(b) of the Act within 15 court days from 24 October 2025. Once the panel completes its work, he must proceed to make the necessary designations under Section 5(2) of the Act. Furthermore, he is required to designate members of the new SAVC Council within 25 court days from the date the panel finalises its selections. The consent order was granted by agreement, with costs reserved.
SAVC reaffirms commitment
In response to the ruling, the SAVC issued a media statement sent to AgriOrbit reaffirming its commitment to good governance, transparency, and accountability. The council emphasised that it remains dedicated to meeting the agreed timelines, maintaining smooth operations, and addressing the backlog caused by delays in the council’s appointment. It stated that according to the revised schedule, which takes Steenhuisen’s availability into account, the appointment of the new council is expected by 20 January 2026, with the inaugural meeting anticipated shortly thereafter. This will enable the SAVC to resume its regulatory functions without further interruption.
Steenhuisen’s response
Steenhuisen has acknowledged the judgment and the consent order. In a media statement, the National Department of Agriculture (NDA) said the ruling provides clarity on the next administrative steps toward constituting the new SAVC, confirming that he had acted within his statutory mandate and would continue the process under clear and lawful timelines. The court order reaffirms that Steenhuisen remains the lawful appointing authority under the Act.
The NDA states that the withdrawal of the directive for a rerun of the elections reflects a shared understanding that further duplication of consultation is unnecessary. The outgoing council’s participation has been concluded, and the remainder of the statutory process will now proceed in accordance with the court order. The court recorded that the required consultation between Steenhuisen and the outgoing council is deemed completed. This allows him to proceed with appointing a selection panel and subsequently designating council members in accordance with the Act.
The NDA is currently finalising the appointment of the selection panel. Once established, the panel will undertake its work independently and transparently, after which the minister will designate the remaining members. This process aims to ensure that the incoming council embodies both professional expertise and the public-interest mandate entrusted to it by law. – Christal-Lize Muller, Plaas Media
