The minister of environment, forestry and tourism in Namibia, Pohamba Shifeta, has refused a request by the Hambukushu Traditional Authority to allow cattle in Bwabwata National Park, citing economic reasons and the need to protect the beef industry. The park, located in an area affected by foot-and-mouth disease, was previously part of the Hambukushu people's grazing land. The traditional authority has expressed disappointment with how the ministry has managed the park and its resources, and has suggested creating buffer zones to restrict the movement of buffaloes, the main spreaders of the disease.