Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Minister Senzeni Zokwana visited the University of Fort Hare's Alice campus today in support of introducing a veterinary faculty at the Eastern Cape University.
Minister Zokwana said he is still canvassing for the Higher Education Ministry and other stake holders to approve the creation of the faculty.
He highlighted that the number of livestock that is produced in the province without skilled vetenarians is a challenge and that there has been an outbreak of numerous diseases including Listeria.
He warned that if the country does not improve its veterinary services, South Africa won't be able to export any of its commodities because of these diseases.
Minister Zokwana added that the University of Pretoria is currently the only University in the country that offers veterinary studies and that the University of Fort Hare would be ideal for such a faculty as it is situated in a rural area.
