Transformation in the South African poultry industry took centre stage on 30 April when stakeholders gathered in Bronkhorstspruit for the first Poultry Masterplan Executive Oversight Committee (EOC) meeting between government and industry since the launch of the Masterplan in 2019.
By Charmain Lines
Hosted at Tumi and Lebo Mokwene’s Phetogo Grootspruit broiler farm, the event brought together representatives from the Department of Agriculture (DoA), the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic), and industry bodies to reflect on progress made under the masterplan and to recognise successful transformation projects.
Deputy ministers Nokuzola Capa (DoA) and Zuko Godlimpi (the dtic) jointly led proceedings, while SAPA’s Izaak Breitenbach highlighted the role collaboration has played in stabilising and growing the local poultry sector over the past five years.
A major focus of the event was the recognition of 32 project leaders who have established large-scale poultry businesses under the transformation drive. The projects averaged investments of R45 million each, with some operations expanding into major regional suppliers.
Among those recognised was KC Hatchery founder Clive Tigere, a former Poultry Bulletin cover star, whose investment exceeded R135 million. Following on that success, and with the networks and support of SAPA, he co-founded Northroost Hatchery, which he now owns outright and which supplies 320 000 broiler chicks weekly to producers in Limpopo.
Phiwe Shabangu of Mokoka-Shabangu Farming was another Poultry Bulletin cover star who was recognised. Her 100% black female-owned operation produces 450 000 birds per cycle. Also celebrated were 20 broiler contract farmers, three new hatcheries and several new egg-production operations.
For the Mokwenes, hosting the event underscored the opportunity created through the masterplan. Phetogo currently produces 888 000 broilers per cycle across three sites under contract to Astral.
While the tone of the meeting was celebratory, speakers also acknowledged the significant obstacles the industry faced in recent years, including bird flu, rising feed costs and infrastructure constraints.
Stakeholders agreed that the masterplan has helped reposition the industry as one of South Africa’s strongest agricultural sectors, with increased production, expanded local investment and growing participation by new entrants across the value chain.
Source: Poultry Bulletin June/July 2026
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