Picture: North West MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, Madoda Sambatha/Supplied
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
28 July 2025- The North West MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, Madoda Sambatha said his department has committed R36.856 million to the Red Meat Industry Development and Enhancement Programme, a targeted intervention aimed at repositioning the province as a major player in South Africa’s red meat economy.
Sambatha made the announcement during his department’s Policy and Budget Speech at the North West Provincial Legislature on 23 July 2025.
“The programme is set to directly benefit 7242 farmers, including 4728 men, 2219 women, 252 youth, and 43 people living with disabilities, through structured production support, access to value chains, and market integration.
“The initiative will be implemented through the Beef Beneficiation Aggregation Model, a framework designed to enhance farmer coordination, improve processing capacity and establish sustainable linkages to commercial markets,” he said.
Sambatha further said the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District will be prioritised, given its concentration of beef farming operations and its strategic role in the provincial livestock value chain. He added that, in addition to supporting production, the programme is projected to generate 321 temporary and 87 permanent jobs, particularly in areas such as aggregation, logistics, technical extension, and feedlot operations.
“This aligns with the department’s broader goals of advancing rural development, increasing household incomes, and reducing unemployment in underserved communities.
“We have also declared the R36.8 million injection into the red meat industry a decisive turning point for the North West agricultural sector. This is more than just funding, but a bold statement of intent,” he said.
Sambatha said they are transforming the red meat value chain, unlocking opportunities for emerging farmers and positioning the province as a powerhouse in livestock production. He said this investment is a clear demonstration of their steadfast commitment to building a transformed, competitive and inclusive red meat industry in the province.
“Through this programme, we are not only empowering our farmers, but also driving economic growth, boosting job creation, and laying a solid foundation for long-term food security and agro-industrial development,” concluded Sambatha.
Meanwhile, the Red Meat Industry Development and Enhancement Programme forms part of NW-DARD’s strategy to broaden participation, enhance local beneficiation, and stimulate growth across rural economies, while contributing meaningfully to the provincial and national GDP.
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