Government celebrates the achievements of black-owned commercial poultry businesses and signals its readiness to accelerate Phase 2 of the Poultry Master Plan.
By Maile Matsimela, digital editor at African Farming
The Executive Oversight Committee of the Poultry Master Plan recently met at Phetogo Grootspruit broiler farm in Bronkhorstspruit, Gauteng, bringing together government leaders, farmers and community representatives.
The meeting – co-led by Deputy Ministers Zuko Godlimpi (Trade, Industry and Competition) and Nokuzola Capa (Agriculture) – focused on progress made and the work still needed to support emerging farmers.
Celebrating Excellence
A highlight of the day was the recognition of 29 black-owned poultry enterprises that operate across the full value chain, including broiler production, egg farming, feed milling, hatcheries, abattoirs and agro-processing.
These businesses have been supported through programmes such as the Comprehensive Agricultural Support Programme (CASP), as well as funding from the Land Bank and the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC).
Among the poultry and egg businesses recognised were:
- Sdudla Chicks (Pty) Ltd, which produces an impressive 690 000 birds per cycle
- Northroost (Pty) Ltd – 545 000 birds per cycle
- Mokoka Shabangu Farming and Poultry – 450 000 birds per cycle
- Thaba Kwena Projects (Pty) Ltd – 380 000 birds per cycle
- Gegana Business Enterprise CC – 360 000 birds per cycle
- Segometsi Bagoshi Agricultural Project
- Oakfarm Trading
- JK Abattoir (Pty) Ltd, which has created more than 560 jobs
Smaller-scale producers were also acknowledged for their contribution to strengthening the country’s poultry supply base, including:
- Parys Poultry
- SL & Sons
- Chamomile Farming
- Eggsellent by Lebo
- Onalerona Farming
- Mabulana Farming
- Tia Farming
- Manguvamuni Farming
- Mushdanrose Farming Primary Cooperative
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The Numbers Speak for Themselves
The host farm, Phetogo Grootspruit, demonstrated what is achievable with the right systems in place. The farm produces about 9 million chickens annually across seven production cycles.
Godlimpi noted that many emerging black farmers in North West and the Free State are now producing between 120 000 and 420 000 birds per cycle, including young farmers in their mid-20s. This reflects growing youth participation in agriculture and the increasing commercial viability of poultry farming.
Poultry Master Plan: Phases 1 and 2
Godlimpi said the Poultry Master Plan has delivered measurable results. Chicken imports have decreased by 28% since 2019, and exports have increased by 9%.
Phase 2 of the Master Plan will focus on:
- Expanding the number of poultry producers;
- Further reducing imports;
- Stabilising the feed production supply chain; and
- Scaling up processing capacity, including abattoirs, packaging and warehousing.
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Technology Is Key to Success
Technology will play a central role in Phase 2 of the Master Plan. Godlimpi emphasised the importance of modern infrastructure, particularly insulation to maintain the optimal temperature for broilers, as well as reliable feed and water systems.
Support from the Agricultural Research Council, together with government funding, can help farmers adopt new technologies and improve productivity.
Commitment to Better Oversight
Despite the progress, challenges remain, particularly in project implementation.
Capa gave voice to frustrations raised by farmers, such as contractors cutting corners and delivering substandard poultry housing, for example, despite adequate budgets being allocated.
To address this, she said government plans to strengthen monitoring and evaluation through regular reporting and stricter oversight of service providers.
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