The Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform, and Rural Development, Thoko Didiza has suspended all movement of cattle in the country.
Her decision is aimed at halting the continued spread of Foot and Mouth Disease.
Department spokesperson, Reggie Ngcobo says it also means that cattle may not be moved from one property to another for any reason for a period of 21 days - reviewable weekly.
South Africa has currently experienced 116 outbreaks of the disease, involving farms, feedlots, and communal areas in KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, North West, Gauteng, Mpumalanga, and the Free State.
The ban will be declared in the Government Gazette on Tuesday.
Any disregard for the movement ban is a criminal offense.
The exception will only be upon the issuing of a veterinary permit for cattle for direct slaughter at registered abattoirs and slaughter for ritual purposes.
