Our AgriFund Connect Summit proved once again why it is one of the most important platforms for transformation and innovation in the agricultural sector.
By Maphuti Mongatane, Business Development Manager at African Farming
One of its standout moments was the powerful presentation delivered by Dewald Olivier, CEO of Red Meat Industry Services (RMIS), whose practical insights and bold vision for livestock traceability drew immediate and overwhelming interest from farmers across the country.
After his presentation, farmers approached him during the tea break, eager to download the RMIS app on the spot so that he could demonstrate how the platform works. Their enthusiasm was a clear sign that the industry is hungry for simple, affordable and accessible livestock data solutions.
In his address, Olivier emphasised that South Africa is at a defining moment in the red meat industry. Traceability is no longer a “nice to have” but is fast becoming the standard demanded by global markets.
“We have always had the knowledge,” he explained, “but what we have been missing is shared, verifiable information among ourselves. For too long, our most important currency is credible proof that has been hidden.”
RMIS has tackled this challenge by creating a system that is:
- Affordable: No costly or exclusive tools. RMIS uses accessible technology like visual identifiers and QR codes;
- Farmer-friendly: Easy to register, easy to update and completely compliant with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA);
- Transparent: Every animal’s vaccination, treatment, age, movement and ownership record is stored as proof, not hearsay; and
- End-to-end: From farm to buyer to abattoir, data becomes a truth backed by real records instead of verbal assurances.
He drove the message home with a simple question: “If I tell you my animals are vaccinated, premium and compliant, how can you believe me without proof?” RMIS solves that gap.
A New Era for Livestock Movement and Market Access
Olivier highlighted how the system automatically generates movement reports, submitted to the relevant provincial departments for approval. This ensures farmers are compliant and protected, and also speeds up the process.
Beyond compliance, RMIS is gearing the industry to become globally competitive. Olivier shared insights from his international visits, including discussions with markets in Brazil and Asian, where buyers are hungry for South African beef but require verifiable data before committing to large-scale purchases.
He stressed that improving traceability will allow South Africa to:
- Move from 4% to 20% red meat exports;
- Introduce more emerging farmers into the commercial value chain;
- Build credibility in markets that demand transparency and trust; and
- Enter negotiations with data and confidence.
Also read: Innovative financing models for agripreneurs – AgriFund Connect Summit panel explores
Empowering Emerging Farmers: R420 Million and 29 Active Facilities
Another major focus of Olivier’s presentation was RMIS’s long-term investment in rural communities. Through various partnerships and development funds, RMIS has already:
- Supported 29 farmer facilities across the country;
- Invested R420 million towards infrastructure, fencing, livestock procurement and operational support;
- Assisted thousands of cattle within these clusters; and
- Prioritised breed improvement tailored to each region’s needs.
The newly established endowment fund will expand this impact even further. Over the next three years, RMIS will support clusters of 50 to 500 farmers at a time, ensuring they receive training, breed improvements and hands-on guidance to produce animals that can compete at commercial and export levels.
Also read: Empowering smallholders key to agricultural future – Mooketsa Ramasodi at AgriFund Connect Summit
Laying the Foundation for Export Growth
“By 2030,” Olivier said, “we need at least 250 000 quality, market-ready cattle coming from the emerging sector alone.” This is the scale required to supply export markets consistently and with RMIS’s platform, farmers can track, prove and proudly showcase the quality they produce.
He also discussed how international buyers currently make decisions based on minimal information. With RMIS, farmers will be able to present verified records, updated animal histories and trustworthy data that removes guesswork from negotiations.
A Proud Partnership with African Farming
As a key sponsor of the AgriFund Connect Summit, RMIS’s role extended beyond the presentation. Olivier expressed his appreciation for the partnership with African Farming: “For us, collaboration is everything. Our partnership with African Farming is one that needs to grow, become bigger and reach more farmers. Together, we can fill every seat and change the landscape of this industry.”
RMIS’s commitment to farmers was visible not only in the content of the presentation but also in the willingness to engage directly, answer questions and demonstrate the app one-on-one. Farmers are excited about this tool that is designed to make their lives easier and their businesses more competitive.
Also read: Why compliance is your farm’s passport to growth – agricultural experts reveal
A Turning Point for South African Red Meat
In Olivier’s closing message he reminded farmers that livestock is not just business, it is pride, heritage and livelihood.
“When we see sheep lambing or a young calf being born, we are proud of what we produce. That pride must reflect in the systems we use. The world wants our beef, our goats and our genetics, and RMIS is here to help us prove [that our animals and genetics meet the standards international buyers demand].”
His address marked a turning point for many emerging and commercial farmers in the room. With RMIS, technology moves from being a barrier to becoming a bridge, connecting farmers to markets, building trust and unlocking opportunities that were previously out of reach.
Conclusion
The excitement at the AgriFund Connect Summit made one thing clear: RMIS is not just a system, it is a movement. A movement towards traceability, transparency, growth and global competitiveness. And under Dewald Olivier’s leadership, the red meat industry is stepping boldly into a future where every farmer, big or small, has access to the tools needed to thrive.
Also read:
RMIS platform could be a game-changer for the red meat industry
EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW | Minister Steenhuisen applauds RMIS for advancing traceability in the red meat sector
Traceability of livestock is the bridge between South Africa’s renowned quality and global confidence
