By Maile Matsimela
The National Biosecurity Summit 2025 held at the University of Pretoria brought together key stakeholders from government, industry and academia to discuss critical issues affecting South Africa’s biosecurity landscape. This article, the first in a series of four, explores the crucial role of public-private partnerships in establishing robust biosecurity systems for plant and animal health in South Africa.
One of the most significant challenges highlighted during the panel discussion was the trust deficit between different stakeholders. Dr Boitshoko Ntshabele, CEO of the Citrus Growers Association of Southern Africa, emphasised that “the biggest challenge is trust between industry and government.” This sentiment was echoed by other industry representatives who pointed to historical challenges in collaboration.
Richard Krige, Chairperson of Grain SA, noted that effective partnerships require transparency, clear communication and shared goals. The panel agreed building trust is not merely a feel-good exercise but a fundamental requirement for functional biosecurity systems.
Several successful partnership models were discussed during the summit. Grain SA allocates significant resources to fund research prioritised by their members, demonstrating how industry can drive research agendas that address practical challenges. Dewald Olivier, CEO of Red Meat Industry Services (RMIS), described how the red meat industry has developed partnerships with government and biosecurity hubs to enhance disease surveillance and control. Meanwhile, Dr Ntshabele of the Citrus Growers Association of Southern Africa highlighted their investment in research and diagnostic capacity, often filling gaps where public resources are limited.
Despite these successful examples, the panel identified several barriers to effective partnerships. Multiple stakeholders working in isolation leads to fragmentation of efforts and inefficiency. Organisations often adopt a competitive rather than collaborative mindset, competing for limited resources instead of pooling them. There is frequently confusion about which stakeholder should take the lead on various biosecurity issues, leading to a lack of clear roles and responsibilities. Smaller industries and SMMEs struggle to participate equally in partnership structures due to resource disparities.
Dr Maneshree Jugmohan-Naidu, chairperson of the National Biosecurity Hub Steering Committee, acknowledged these challenges, stating, “We need to move beyond territorial thinking and create genuine platforms for collaboration where all voices are heard.”
The panel proposed several elements essential for successful public-private partnerships in biosecurity. All stakeholders must align around common objectives.
As Dr Litha Magingxa, President and CEO of the Agricultural Research Council (ARC), noted, “When we have clarity on our shared goals, the ‘how’ becomes much easier to negotiate.”
The establishment of formal partnership structures with clear governance mechanisms was recommended. These structures should define roles, responsibilities and accountability measures. Rather than competitive funding models, the panel suggested pooled resource models where different stakeholders contribute to a common fund directed at agreed priorities.
Effective partnerships must include representation from government departments (Agriculture, Science and Technology, Trade), large commercial agricultural sectors, smaller industries and emerging farmers, academic and research institutions, civil society organisations and international partners. Partnerships thrive on regular, open communication. The panel recommended quarterly forums where all stakeholders can share updates, challenges and successes.
Prof. Vinny Naidoo, Dean: Faculty of Veterinary Science at the University of Pretoria, emphasised the critical importance of strategic partnerships between universities, the ARC and government to ensure effective biosecurity outcomes. He highlighted a successful case study: “The equine centre has demonstrated how effective partnerships can yield tangible results. Through collaboration, we’ve developed vaccines and improved health systems that benefit the entire industry.”
He stressed that partnerships must be built on mutual respect and clear understanding of each institution’s strengths: “Universities bring research expertise, the ARC offers implementation capacity and government provides the regulatory framework. When these align, we see real progress in addressing biosecurity challenges.”
David Niemann, COO of Sernick Group, provided a strong industry perspective on partnerships, stating that industry must play a critical role in the execution of legislation and biosecurity measures. “We need closer collaboration between the private sector and government – not just on paper, but in practical, day-to-day operations.” He emphasised the readiness of industry to contribute, saying the private sector isn’t waiting for the government to solve all problems. “We’re ready to partner, invest resources and drive solutions. What we need is a framework that facilitates this collaboration rather than hindering it.”
A promising development highlighted during the discussion was the concept of biosecurity hubs. These hubs serve as neutral platforms where different stakeholders can collaborate on biosecurity challenges.
Dr Jugmohan-Naidu described how these hubs “bring together expertise, resources, and information in a way that benefits all stakeholders”. The hubs facilitate knowledge sharing between industry, government and academia; pooled diagnostic capacity; coordinated surveillance systems; joint training and capacity building initiatives; and shared data platforms.
In conclusion on this topic, the panel discussion made it clear that no single entity – whether government, industry or academia – can address biosecurity challenges alone. The complexity and scale of these challenges demand collaborative approaches.
*The next article in this series will explore research and diagnostic capacity in South Africa’s biosecurity landscape, examining the current situation and opportunities for enhancement.
More to read:
Minister Steenhuisen outlines bold vision at National Biosecurity Summit
