How to import Boer goats from South Africa into Zimbabwe is a matter of interest for a variety of goat breeders locally. Below we share, with permission, some insightful advise from Milton Zhakata.
Milton Zhakata originally shared this insight as part of a thread on his Twitter account @miltonzhakata in early March 2021. This insight is based on Zhakata’s own experience navigating the goat importation process into Zimbabwe from South Africa (SA).
#ZimAgricRising Yesterday I promised a thread on navigating the goat importation process into Zimbabwe. Good to emphasize that details I am sharing here only highlight my experience and should not be viewed as the validated procedure.
The process is dual and involve crucial steps from both countries – export & import. Processes can be done individually, as group of farmers or through an Agent. Some of the processes can be done simultaneously while other steps are dependant on other steps.
Sourcing the goats is probably the most crucial step of them all. There are several ways through which goats are sourced: direct purchases, auctions, 3rd parties, online etc. SA Breeders are all registered. Request for the registration documents
If someone is sourcing for you, they will search for Breeders and share all available goat information, records, pics to allow the farmers to select animals of their choice.
Once you are satisfied with the animals, you pay to the Breeder directly or through any agreed arrangements
The Breeder arranges for animal to be quarantined through the State Veterinarian, who will also be responsible to release them when they pass the blood tests.
There is mandatory quarantine of 14 days at an approved facility. Breeders already have these details: Cost is R250/goat + blood tests @R200/animal. After 14 days of quarantine, a certificate which is required at the border is issued. At this stage, goats are ready for movement.
Whilst all above is happening in SA, the farmer will be the applying for importation permit on the Zimbabwe side at the Ministry of Agriculture. It is good to secure the permit even before buying any animals. The cost is very tiny and in RTGS (ZWL).
Once Animal Movement permits are issued by the Ministry of Agriculture, papers are send to the border Clearing Agent – they will be eventually handed over to the driver when the truck reaches the border.
Transportation: If using an Agent, they will charge you transport + border clearance @ R530/ per goat. Note that SA is strict with animal movement regulations. Breeders will not load animals into unapproved livestock trailers.
Delays and hick-ups are inevitable, however, all things being equal this whole process should not exceed 30 days before animals reach Zimbabwe.
My dear colleagues, like I highlighted earlier, this is not meant to be the validated process but I hope someone will find this useful. God Bless our Farming. Let us grow together.