By Maile Matsimela
At the African Farming Production and Financial Matters Workshop held at the Tshwane Fresh Produce Market in Pretoria on 24 April, industry stakeholders gathered to address critical challenges and opportunities in South Africa’s agricultural sector. Among the notable presentations was RMIS’s Ernest Makua’s address on “Inclusive Growth and Traceability: Driving a Sustainable and Competitive Future for South Africa’s Red-Meat Industry”.
Makua delivered a compelling case for why traceability systems and inclusive growth strategies are not just beneficial but essential for the future of South Africa’s red meat sector. His presentation resonated with the diverse audience of farmers seeking practical solutions to industry challenges.
“In today’s global market, the ability to trace meat products from farm to fork isn’t optional but mandatory,” said Makua, also emphasising to the audience that consumers and trading partners alike demand transparency, and the industry must respond decisively.
Makua outlined RMIS’s phased approach to implementing a nationwide livestock traceability system, beginning with the establishment of Global Location Numbers (GLNs) for farms, feedlots, and abattoirs. This foundational step enables the electronic exchange of standardised traceability data across the value chain.
“The first phase focuses on mapping our industry’s infrastructure. By assigning unique identifiers to each location where livestock is handled, we create the framework for tracking animals throughout their journey,” Makua explained.
Future phases will include individual animal identification and data integration across various recordkeeping systems, creating a comprehensive network that serves both commercial and emerging farmers.
One of the most compelling arguments Makua presented for traceability was its role in disease management – a critical concern for an industry that has faced devastating outbreaks in recent years.
“When disease strikes, our ability to respond quickly determines whether we contain it or face catastrophic losses,” stated Makua. He adds that a robust traceability system allows for identification of potentially affected animals within hours rather than weeks, dramatically reducing both the spread and economic impact.
Beyond disease control, Makua highlighted how traceability directly impacts export opportunities.
“Markets like China, Saudi Arabia, and the European Union demand verifiable traceability as a non-negotiable entry requirement and without it, these lucrative opportunities remain closed to South African producers, regardless of our product quality,” he said.
The second half of Makua’s presentation addressed the critical issue of inclusive growth within the red meat value chain. He painted a vision of an industry where commercial and emerging farmers collaborate rather than compete.
Said Makua: “South Africa’s red meat industry cannot reach its full potential when significant portions of our production base remain marginalised. Inclusive growth isn’t charity but a sound business strategy that expands our collective production capacity and resilience.”
Proudly sponsored by RMIS Inclusive Growth | Ford | AFGRI | John Deere Financial | The City of Tshwane | Tshwane Fresh Produce Market
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