New red meat association eyes impactful transformation

01 May 2024

The new red meat commodity association, the National Livestock Farmers’ Association of South Africa (NaLFA-SA), is calling for transformation in the South African red meat industry that is directed by its members.

The call was made by Aggrey Mahanjana, chairperson of the National Emergent Red Meat Producers’ Organisation (Nerpo), when NaLFA-SA replaced Nerpo at a launch ceremony in Pretoria.

NaLFA-SA was launched by 19 district-based associations across all nine provinces and the process of remobilisation will cover all 42 agriculture-based districts.

The change of course and rebranding comes with a new mandate of facilitating real and impactful transformation within the entire red meat industry value chain. This will entail remobilising black livestock farmers and linking them with local, national and international markets.

With the new mandate, NaLFA-SA will be proactive, especially in lobbying the government for legislation and policy changes that support transformation through participation of black individuals in the entire red meat industry value chain.

Brenda Maaronganye from Sedibeng District Municipality in Gauteng was appointed the first chairperson of NaLFA-SA. She highlighted several areas that the association will prioritise for lobbying and advocacy:

1. Implementation of the adopted sector plan.
2. Clear policy direction on the sale of state land to lessees.
3. Access to affordable finance and a transformation levy for capacity building.
4. Red meat value chain ownership in all value chain nodes (not only primary production).
5. Development and ownership of the goat value chain.
6. Genetic improvement and support with breeding stock.
7. Traceability and local and international market access (removing barriers and exploitative market systems).
8. Access to water (water rights).
9. Rural infrastructure development (poor roads and inaccessibility).
10. Farm infrastructure and equipment (handling facilities and dip tanks).
11. Animal disease management, such as foot and mouth, brucellosis control.
12. Farm security (levels of lawlessness and stock theft are unprecedented).
13. Knowledge and skills development (education, training and mentorship).
14. Women and youth empowerment for business ownership.

Maaronganye made Mahanjana an honorary lifetime official of NaLFA SA in recognition of his work as founder and chairperson of NERPO.

Source : NaLFA-SA