By Bongiwe Dlamini

MBABANE:Mandla Tshauke,the Minister of Agriculture and Cooperative has reversed a decision stopping butchery owners from slaughtering livestock within their premises.

This comes after this Swaziland News interviewed Dr Roland Dlamini, the Director of Veterinary and Livestock Services within the Ministry of Agriculture who stated that,the decision to stop the butchery owners was based on the provisions of the Veterinary Public Health Act adding that, livestock must be slaughtered in abattoirs across the country.

But it appeared that,the decision created confusion as the country does not have enough abattoirs to ensure the smooth operations of butcheries,some local butchery owners were forced to travel long distances.

Former Mkhiweni Member of Parliament(MP) Machawe Mavuso who runs a feedlot business was vocal in the past few days,challenging Government to reverse the decision.

On another note,the Agriculture Minister announced the reversal of the decision during a press conference on Thursday.

“This reversal of this decision will last for four(4) months while we engage affected parties to find a solution”, said the Agriculture Minister.

Reacting to the latest developments,former MP Machawe Mavuso thanked the Agriculture Minister for reversing the decision.

“Maybe, one can thank the Agriculture Minister who doubles as Mkhiweni MP for reversing this decision before it manifested into chaos.But it would have been proper though if he reversed the decision for at least a year because there are laws that must be amended to support the decision to have livestock slaughtered in abattoirs, this cannot be achieved within four(4) months.Kodvwa-ke siyambonga Minister uyabonakala kutsi uchamuka eMkhiweni”, said the former MP.