The Minister of Agriculture, Mr Willie Aucamp, has confirmed the precautionary suspension that has been instituted by the Onderstepoort Biological Products (OBP) Board against the Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dr. Jacob Modumoh.

“On Friday, 4 September 2026, I convened an urgent meeting with the Board of OBP wherein I presented the Board with information of allegations of serious misconduct relating to the pricing of Foot and mouth disease (FMD) vaccines against the Acting CEO of OBP,” said Minister Aucamp.

“The Board, after considering the matter, gave the Acting CEO a notice of their intention to suspend him, and as per the OBP’s policy, have afforded him five days to provide reasons why he should not be suspended.”

Should these reasons be insufficient, the suspension will remain in place pending an independent investigation into these allegations.

The Minister has made it clear that the OBP should not unduly profit from the tragedy of FMD currently facing our farmers. Given that South Africa is experiencing the largest FMD outbreak in the country’s history, government has a responsibility to protect and support farmers by ensuring that vaccines are procured and made available in the most cost-effective and efficient manner possible.

“As a government entity, OBP has an obligation to act in the public interest. There should therefore be no exorbitant markup on the sale of FMD vaccines, particularly at a time when farmers are already carrying the significant financial burden of this outbreak,” said the Minister.

Minister Aucamp emphasised that the suspension of the Acting CEO is a precautionary measure and should not be construed as a finding of wrongdoing or misconduct against him. Rather, the measure is intended to ensure that the principles of good governance, accountability and due process remain firmly at the forefront of the operations of this public entity.

“It is important that the department as well as all public entities and Boards under my watch perform their duties ethically and with the highest standards – nothing less will be tolerated – therefore I will maintain strong oversight over such entities to ensure good governance at all times,” added Minister Aucamp.

“This matter will not be resolved through the media. We therefore urge the media and the public to refrain from speculation and to allow the appropriate processes to run their course until the matter has been concluded,” he said.

Furthermore, the Minister has assured stakeholders that the suspension will have no impact on the country’s ongoing FMD vaccination efforts or the progress made in combating the outbreak. The Minister urged the farming community not to be deterred by these developments, but rather to view them as an indication of government’s commitment to good governance, accountability and the integrity of the country’s FMD response.

Minister Aucamp also encouraged farmers to continue applying to become authorised persons, enabling them to vaccinate their own animals as per the applicable requirements and protocols.

Given the fact that the matter is still in its infancy and that the Acting CEO is yet to make his representations or be independently investigated, there will not be any further comment. Minister Aucamp and the OBP will provide further information when it is appropriate and lawful to do so.