Once again, in an attempt to discuss the procedures and methods pertaining to the festival of first fruits we have called upon the listed role-players and the president’s office. To date we have received only one mediocre response. We will endeavour to still meet with these role players to find a way forward to alleviate the suffering of the bull.

This year there appears to be a greater awareness amongst the South African public and the international forum.

This awareness has stirred up people’s emotions and has therefore increased the complaints received by the SPCA and encouraged other concerned organisations to call for support and action.

The First Fruits Festival matter was before the High Court and the NSPCA had previously been denied entry. Even if entry had been gained, we would not be permitted either to film or to stop the procedure, therefore a decision was taken not to attend. At the same time we were pursuing a different course by consulting with other parties and role players to address the issues of the inhumane manner of killing the bull.

ATTEMPTS  BY THE  NSPCA  TO  MAKE  A  DIFFERENCE  AND  STOP  THE  CRUELTY

Click here for a record of actions taken by the NSPCA.

As in the past few years, the NSPCA has contacted the DoA to assist in stopping the slaughter of a bull at the First fruits ceremony.

ATTEMPTS  BY THE  NSPCA  TO  MAKE  A  DIFFERENCE  AND  STOP  THE  CRUELTY

Click here for a record of actions taken by the NSPCA.

As in the past few years, the NSPCA has contacted the DoA to assist in stopping the slaughter of a bull at the First fruits ceremony.

Click here for a record of actions taken by the NSPCA.

As in the past few years, the NSPCA has contacted the DoA to assist in stopping the slaughter of a bull at the First fruits ceremony.

This request was based on the fact that DoA administers the APA as well as the fact that the bull is subjected to extensive manual ‘torture’ prior to death.

As cultural ceremonies are protected in terms of the Constitution – and this would include those involving animals, it is both unwise and unconstitutional to intervene in such events.

While DoA administers the APA, any actions are normally carried out by the SAPS – or “Any society for the prevention of cruelty to animals” with the necessary warrant. Note the “Any” includes societies such as the AACL, CHPA, etc.

The first fruits festival was revived recently – but it goes back hundreds of years - and is linked to the fruits of an indigenous melon that grows on the sand dunes near the coast. These are often the first fruits available in times of drought etc.

The fruits are brought to the ceremonial place as they signify life and strength.

This is linked to a ‘strengthening of the regiments’ by way of the slaughter of a bull

The bull has to be killed by hand and is then cut up into strips, cooked and eaten in its entirety by the ‘soldiers’ in the respective regiments.

The actual way in which it is killed is unclear – maybe more humane methods were used in the past – but this would have to be researched. In addition, any changes to the ritual would have to come from those in charge.

Owing to the sensitive nature of this event, DoA asked the LWCC to initiate discussions with traditional leaders and healers – including the personal physician of King Goodwill Zwelethini Ka Cyprian. Unfortunately it has not been possible for the LWCC to make any progress in this regard – and this was minuted in the last LWCC meeting

Proposed alternative
What we are proposing is that the bull is caught by hand and then stunned with a captive bolt – or with a suitable instrument (Assegai) in the nuchal area

The animal could then be bled and subjected to further ceremonial procedure

This is most probably the most humane and potentially acceptable intervention – but, as mentioned, this would have to be approved by the entire Zulu cultural hierarchy

What can be done now?
Unfortunately, in the interim, there is nothing one can do – save finalise the guidelines for management of animals used for ritual and ceremonial purposed so that this could also be used to facilitate voluntary change

Looking ahead – what should we do ?

Speed up the drafting of the guidelines and use this as a discussion document for a meeting with the traditional leaders involved in this ceremony

This would include His Majesty, King Goodwill Zwelethini ka Cyprian and, hopefully, Dr Masego

Negotiating/ Arranging this meeting should be done by LWCC – or an independent individual with the necessary ties.

THE ROLE PLAYERS

Advocate Sonwabile Mancotywa
CEO : National Heritage Council of S.A.

Dr Mongezi Guma
Chairperson : Commission for the Promotion & Protection of the Rights of Cultural, Religious & Linguistic Communities (CRL)

Ms Pumla Madiba
CEO : CRL

Dr E.A. Schoeman
Chairman of Parliamentary Joint-Constitutional Review Committee

Mr D.E. Ntamzi
KZN Traditional Cultural and Ceremonies

Dr A.V. Shongwe
Royal House Nongoma

Minister Lulama Xingwana
Dept of Agriculture

Mr Keith Ramsay
Deputy Director : Animal Production, National Dept of Agriculture

Dr Siegfried Meyer
National Dept of Agriculture

Mr Masipula Mbongwa
Director General : Dept of Agriculture

Mr Dirk du Toit
Deputy Minister : Dept of Land Affairs

Advocate Gary Pienaar
Public Protector

Ms Shirley Thoke
Natal Public Protectorate Office

Mr Mlamedi Nkosi
Natal Public Protectorate Office

Dr M Buthelezi
Inkhata Freedom Party (IFP)

Mr N. Bhikshu
Director : Office of the Premier (Pietermaritzburg)

Mr D.S. Ndabele
MEC : KZN

Mr T.S. Mbhalati
Director : S.A.P.S. Legal Services – Legislation

Page update: 18/02/2010