By Maile Matsimela
Some of South Africa’s most forward-thinking voices in the livestock sector came together at the recent two-day Gauteng Agro-Processing Convention and Expo at Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand. A key highlight was a panel discussion, moderated by Dr Phuti Chelopo-Mgobozi of The Innovation Hub, which offered valuable insights into the challenges, opportunities and future of animal-based product processing in the country.
The panel featured Lebo Mokwene of Phetogo Farms, Anna Phosa of Dreamland Piggery, Willie Bosoga of Shumbaset Egg Aggregation and Lucas Msiza of Sizalo Bonsmara.
Each panellist brought unique perspectives from across the livestock value chain, covering broiler chickens, pork, eggs and beef production.
The panel candidly addressed the complex challenges facing the livestock industry. Persistent disease outbreaks continue to threaten productivity – bird flu has hit poultry producers hard, and African swine fever and foot-and-mouth disease remain major concerns for pig and cattle farmers, respectively.
These biosecurity threats are compounded by rising input costs, particularly for feed, electricity and logistics.
“The industry is resilient, but we cannot ignore the mounting pressures on producers,” Lucas Msiza said. “From disease control to compliance requirements, farmers are constantly having to adapt to stay competitive.”
Market access was identified as a significant barrier, especially for emerging farmers. High compliance standards required by established retail markets are often difficult for smaller operations to meet without proper support. The panel also noted how the dominance of large commercial players limits opportunities for small-scale and emerging black farmers.
Bureaucratic inefficiencies were identified as another significant impediment to growth. Panellists described frustrating delays in obtaining necessary approvals and certifications, such as a municipal Certificate of Acceptability (COA), a mandatory food-handling business permit in South Africa, which can stall business progress for months.
Innovation, Integration and Infrastructure
Despite these challenges, the panel showcased inspiring innovations and solutions being implemented. Collaboration emerged as a central theme, with established farmers actively supporting small-scale producers by aggregating their products and facilitating market access.
Lebo Mokwene of Phetogo Farms shared how she has expanded operations along the value chain: “We’ve integrated vertically from feed production to slaughtering, processing, packaging and logistics. This approach not only creates additional revenue streams but also provides greater control over quality and costs.”
The development of agro-parks was highlighted as a promising infrastructure solution, offering dedicated spaces for both farming and processing, especially for those struggling with land access. Strategic partnerships – with entities like the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) and international certification bodies – are helping businesses secure funding and meet global standards.
Anna Phosa of Greenland Piggery emphasised the importance of investing in technology: “We’ve installed high-tech machinery for grading and processing, which has significantly improved our efficiency and product consistency. This level of quality assurance is essential for accessing premium markets.”
Building Inclusive Value Chains
A recurring theme was the need for inclusive growth. Panellists stressed the importance of bringing women, small-scale producers and young entrepreneurs into the formal livestock value chain.
Willie Bosoga described Shumbaset Egg Aggregation’s approach: “We don’t just buy eggs from farmers; we actively train them on compliance, biosecurity measures and financial literacy. This holistic support is critical for sustainable participation in formal markets.”
The panellists also emphasised the value of mentorship. Industry leaders expressed their willingness to share knowledge and to support emerging entrepreneurs – not just technically, but also by helping them navigate red tape and access opportunities.
Several speakers called for stronger “Made in Gauteng/South Africa” branding to promote locally produced livestock products, emphasising traceability and quality.
Looking Ahead
The discussion ended on an optimistic note. Despite the obstacles, panellists agreed that South Africa has the potential to grow its domestic and export markets for animal-based products – provided there is continued investment in biosecurity, processing technology and sustainable farming practices.
They also highlighted the importance of ongoing dialogue between industry, government and support institutions to break down systemic barriers and create an enabling environment for all players.
As the convention wrapped up, attendees left with a deeper understanding of the dynamic forces shaping South Africa’s livestock industry – and how innovation, resilience and collaboration can build a more inclusive and sustainable future.
