19 Oct 2016

Slaughter slab owners in Tsabong believe that they will lose business permanently due to the emergence of a high grade government funded multi-purpose abattoir.  
Speaking in an interview with BOPA recently, the owners said Department of Veterinary services officials have already warned them their licence of operation will be null and void upon the completion of the government slaughtering facility.
For Andrew Babeile of Bontleng Meat Centre,  the prospect of closing shop is a devastating reality that he is forced to face. He conceded that the government facility will provide convenience and quality to locals but he feels the decision to shut them down will be harsh to their business prospects.“ I know my slaughter slab is categorised as small through output , the lowest  rank ever. But if the Department of Veterinary Services takes away our licence I will have no use for this facility. Managing this place has caused me a lot through the years. Moreover I will lose clients,” said Mr Babeile.
Mr Babeile calls for leniency and consideration so that they are allowed to continue operating and be in direct competition with the planned abattoir. He noted that he has already come to terms with the fact that he will lose majority of his clients but said being operational is better than being out completely.
He said Bontleng Meat Centre currently slaughters 15 animals per week and supplies Tsabong Unified Secondary School and Department of Prisons Services with meat. Mr Babeile believes that people will be running to the fully fledged abattoir because it has the capacity to slaughter more in a week and price rates will be reasonably low as it will be operated by government.
Ms Dineo Megano of Ditsha Butchery, said she is aware her licence of operation will cease in the near future. She stated that she has been anticipating the change and that there is nothing that can be done to reverse the decision.
The youthful businesswoman concurred with Mr Babeile on the painful experience of having to close down but she is prepared to move forward.
Ms Megano said the Veterinary officials often decried lack of equipment at the time of inspections the factor that lead to delays on their part.
Tsabong Department of Veterinary Services, senior technical officer (meat hygiene)   Mr Lucas Gaowetswe, said the slaughter slabs in Tsabong do not comply with the standards stipulated in the Livestock and Meat Industries Act of 2007.
He noted that important factors such as site suitability, the slaughter slabs accessibility to the road and adherence to high standards of meat handling and hygiene were not followed by owners in the whole of Kgalagadi South constituency.He noted that it is imperative for businesses to observe these standards because the meat they are handling is for human consumption.
Mr Gaoetswe confirmed that the slaughter slabs owners were long warned of the changes that will take place in the future.
The inspector stated that in the past his department engaged the owners to unite and construct central private abattoir that will service the whole community. ENDS