The DA in Bela Bela has handed over a petition for the establishment of a municipal pound for stray cattle to the Mayor of Bela Bela Local Municipality, Gloria Seleka. View photo here.
The petition was necessitated by numerous complaints from the public about stray cattle continuously found walking on public roads, in resident’s gardens and in public spaces, causing a nuisance and placing motorists at risk of accidents. Multiple accidents have taken place to date as a result of stray cattle, causing unnecessary damage and loss.
Despite the municipality having bylaws that stray cattle must be placed in a pound, the authorities can’t because no local pound exists. The DA’s petition ran from September 2025 to test public sentiment for the need for a pound and by the start of November 2025, the petition stood at a total of 2401 signatories.
After receiving the petition, Mayor Seleka indicated she understood the public’s need for a pound and will support the possibility of a pound.
We believe that for every new venture that is to the public’s benefit, political will — to bring about change, must extend from the municipal council and be supported by the municipal administration in a realistic and sustainable manner.
The DA is committed to addressing pressing local issues and looks forward to further discussions with the administration and potential stakeholders who share an interest for a pound to exist in order to enhance public safety.