Background
In alignment with its ongoing commitment to sustainable development and community upliftment, the TASC Foundation has donated ZAR200,000 to Meat Naturally (NPC), a key partner in the Grassland Restoration and Stewardship in South Africa (GRASS) project.
It is funding a scoping and feasibility study for the establishment of an abattoir in the Southern Drakensberg. This strategic initiative is designed to address a critical gap in market access for local farmers, particularly those engaged in the GRASS project’s communal instance. The need for this abattoir has become increasingly urgent due to the recent outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease in KwaZulu-Natal, which has severely disrupted traditional meat market channels. By restoring and securing access to these markets, the proposed abattoir will serve as a vital infrastructure component, ensuring that farmers can continue to participate in and benefit from the GRASS initiative.
This project not only supports economic resilience among communal farmers but also reinforces long-term environmental stewardship goals. The feasibility study will assess the viability, potential impact, and operational requirements of the abattoir, laying the groundwork for future development that aligns with both community needs and ecological sustainability.
Implementation Progress
So far, Meat Naturally Kruger Meats (MNK) has conducted a successful trial of direct sales, marking its first purchase and meat production in collaboration with Greenlands Abattoir in Kokstad, KZN. In this innovative trial, seven animals were purchased from five farmers who are part of the Nkonkobe Association in the Eastern Cape. The farmers collectively earned ZAR 54,365.00, highlighting the potential of this new market access channel for communal farmers.
Traditionally, MNK has facilitated market access through mobile auctions, which require a minimum of 100 animals to make logistics feasible. This presents a significant barrier for smaller communities. However, with this new approach, MNK can facilitate direct sales with just 16 animals, providing a flexible and accessible option for communities striving to enhance rangeland health through regenerative fire and grazing management.
