LFN v Minister of Agriculture, Mr. JH Steenhuisen (High Court, Gauteng Division, Pretoria — Case No. 2025-166866) – Initiated: 16 September 2025 – Lodged: 16 September 2025
Last Updated: 23 September 2025 (Previous Version: N/A)
On 16 September 2025, Liberty Fighters Network (LFN), represented by its President Reyno De Beer N.O., lodged a High Court review application in the Gauteng Division, Pretoria (Case No. 2025-166866). The application challenges Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen’s decision to procure, import, and implement a mass vaccination programme of cattle against Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD).
LFN argues that the Minister acted unlawfully, irrationally, and without transparency, in violation of the Constitution, the Promotion of Administrative Justice Act (PAJA), and the Animal Diseases and Meat Safety Acts.
Key concerns raised in the case:
- No transparency: The Minister ignored LFN’s formal request (22 August 2025) to release the decision record and supporting documents.
- No scientific accountability: Over 900,000 vaccine doses (valued at R70 million) were ordered from Botswana without independent peer-reviewed studies or safety assessments specific to South Africa.
- No consultation: There was no public participation or engagement with critical regulators such as the Ministry of Health and the Directorate of Food Control.
- Pattern of misconduct: This case follows LFN’s already-pending review of the Minister’s earlier decision to authorise poultry vaccination against Avian Influenza under similar unlawful circumstances.
LFN seeks an order to:
- Review and set aside the Minister’s FMD vaccination decision;
- Declare the refusal to provide the decision record unlawful;
- Remit the decision for proper reconsideration with full consultation, transparent studies, and public participation;
- Hold the Minister liable for costs.
This case is not just about farmers and cattle — it’s about the rights of every consumer to safe food, accountable governance, and protection against reckless decision-making.
📄Download the following Court Documents:
The Complete Application (see hereunder) includes:-
- Notice of Motion – 11 September 2025 (PDF)
- Founding Affidavit – 11 September 2025 (PDF)
- Annexure RDB1 – Government Permit Announcement
- Annexure RDB2 – Mass Vaccination Media Statement
- Annexure RDB3 – SAHPRA COVID-19 Vaccine Deregistrations
No further documents have been lodged at this time.