About
The National Biosecurity Hub (NBH) was co-launched in October 2022 by the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD), Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) and Innovation Africa at the University of Pretoria (IA@UP).
The Hub forms part of the revitalisation of the Agricultural Sector through research, development and innovation – a key requirement of both the White Paper on Science Technology and Innovation (2019/2020) and the STI Decadal Plan 2021-2031.
Vision
The vision for the National Biosecurity Hub is to significantly increase the capacity currently available to the SPS regulatory authorities of South Africa to deal with biosecurity issues
Strategic Focus Areas
Operations
These include risk analyses, surveillance, emergency response, inspections, diagnostic services and quarantine services.
SPS Policy Development
Provision of technical support for SPS policy development and review.
SPS Awareness
Sharing awareness of key issues through various media platforms and workshops.
SPS Capacity Development
Provision of expertise and technical assistance to develop SPS capacities for the public and private
sectors.
Biosecurity Information Hub
A central repository for storing of data and development of applications with information on national regulated pest lists and data sheets, as well
as commodity-specific pest lists, surveillance information, guidelines and forms.
SPS Training
Creating training opportunities in SPS that are appropriate to the needs of the country; including the establishment of formal training curricula and information materials for use as demonstration and training tools.
Research
Specific and dedicated research on current and potential threats to plant health and animal health.
These include risk analyses, surveillance, emergency response, inspections, diagnostic services and quarantine services.
Provision of technical support for SPS policy development and review.Sharing awareness of key issues through various media platforms and workshops.Provision of expertise and technical assistance to develop SPS capacities for the public and private
sectors.A central repository for storing of data and development of applications with information on national regulated pest lists and data sheets, as well
as commodity-specific pest lists, surveillance information, guidelines and forms.
Creating training opportunities in SPS that are appropriate to the needs of the country; including the establishment of formal training curricula and information materials for use as demonstration and training tools.
Specific and dedicated research on current and potential threats to plant health and animal health.
NBH Objectives
- Promote engagements on SPS matters through establishing appropriate communication structures
- Develop a Biosecurity Information Hub to store and manage SPS and related information
- Create opportunities for human capital development
- Work with public and private stakeholders to prevent, respond to and manage pests and diseases that threaten the environment, human health, animal health and/or the economy
- Work with public and private stakeholders to conduct research on known and emerging biosecurity threats
Governance
Steering Committee
The National Biosecurity Hub is governed by a steering committee, comprising members representing the
Department of Agriculture, Department of Science and Innovation and the Agricultural Research Council.
Innovation Africa at University of Pretoria provides coordination and secretarial support for the Hub.
NBH Staff
Dr Marinda Visser
Director: Strategic Projects and Partnerships in Agriculture
Isabella Bezuidenhout
Phytosanitary Expert
Lydia Kasumba
Accountant
Report a concern
The NBH is South Africa’s go-to and exchange hub for all matters pertaining to plant and animal health. You can lodge a report regarding animal or plant diseases, plant pests and weeds by clicking the button below.
