26 May 2016

Kang Meat Market Abattoir seeks to break barriers and exploit market opportunities in the SADC region.

Speaking during Letsema Pitso in Kang recently, the manager of the state-of-the-art facility, Mr Bill Sieberhagen said meat market industry in Southern Africa remained untapped as such the abattoir positioned itself to exploit existing platforms in the next five years. 

He said the demand for meat remained high locally and regionally as the government through Botswana Meat Commission strove to satisfy, primarily, the Euro-zone market.

“More people still demand meat in the country because BMC gives priority to the overseas market. As private entities we have to bridge this gap by increasing production so that we could  meet the demands of our local consumers and even move across borders,” he said.

Mr Sieberhagen said he envisaged reaching countries like Mauritius, Zimbabwe and Seychelles. 

He added that he wanted to turn the dream of penetrating the international market into  reality.

The private abattoir located about 20 kilometres from Kang, has solid kraal structures which could accommodate over 60 cattle.

Mr Siberhagen noted that Choppies was currently the main buyer of their meat emphasising that the local chain giant made extra money by re-distributing their produce. 

Other markets include local butcheries in Kang, Tshane and Hukuntsi. 

Health and safety measures according to Sieberhagen are not compromised as they are committed to feeding the nation with quality meat that is free from diseases.  

“We work hand in hand with Department of Veterinary Services who not only equip us with a meat inspector but provide crucial advise on safe meat handling and hygiene,”he said 

He added that the abattoir also adhered to high hygiene standards and procedures. 

He said at Kang Meat Market Abattoir though business remained core, they cherished local economic empowerment.

He said the factory boasted 44 employees who were all Batswana and also reserved P 90 000 every month for staff salary. Mr Sieberhagen said the abattoir also supported emerging businesses in Kang.

The company has an agreement with a laundry business that belongs to a Youth Development Fund beneficiary in Kan that wash their workers’ protective clothing on a daily basis. ENDS