17 Jan 2022

The newly formed Delta Pillars Meat Producer Co-operative Society has been commended for their dedication in ensuring that society takes off successfully.

Speaking at the co-operative’s first Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Maun on Saturday, the principal Co-operative auditor in the Department of Cooperatives, Ms Rebecca Korujezu noted that  the newly formed cooperative had complied with the bye-laws governing regulations by holding the first AGM.

She stated that some cooperatives upon formation fail to comply with regulations, adding that some even encounter challenges and conflicts amongst members.

The Delta Pillars Meat Producer feasibility study report states that the society aims to purchase cattle for resale from all villages around Maun all the way to Seronga and then sell to abattoirs for slaughtering.

Ms Korujezu handed the society bye-law regulations and implored the society to follow the bye-laws to avoid suspension due to non-compliance.

She commended the society for holding successful elections, which she said, was an indication that the members had a cordial relationship.

She said the Department of Cooperatives believed Delta Pillars Meat Producer Co-operative Society had potential to grow and become a giant in beef sale.

The cooperative chairperson, Mr Kenabetsho Mompati stated that Delta Pillars Meat Producer Co-operative Society consisted of 20 members mostly retired Botswana Defence Force officers.

He said the cooperative was formed in August 2020 and submitted the proposal to the Department of Cooperatives following which the society was  registered in November 2021.

Mr Mompati indicated that members saw a potential in the beef market hence they took a step to close the gap by buying cattle from all villages in North West.

He said they intended to implement their project in three phases, where in the first phase the society would purchase cattle for resale in order to raise funds.

He further highlighted that they intended to roll over profits generated from the first phase for expansion to the second phase, which would include establishing a feedlot to improve the quality of the livestock.

Mr Mompati said the third phase entailed construction of a slaughter slab or abattoir where they would expand to meat processing, packaging and distribution.

The chairperson thanked members for electing him to be their leader, promising to work diligently with all members to ensure their cooperative was successful.

The District Officer Development in the Office of the District Commissioner, Ms Lesego Phuti stated that Delta Pillars complied with the President’s Reset Agenda by contributing to the value chain priority.

She called on the cooperative to bring youth on board by employing them once the society expanded so that the society could transfer knowledge to future generations.

Ms Phuti encouraged the cooperative to benchmark against other successful cooperatives and also approach finance lending institutions for funding.

She implored members to practice good governance at all times, which she said would come in handy when they encountered challenges in future and stand together as a cooperative.

During the cooperative’s elections, Mr Mompati was elected chairperson while the vice chairperson position went to Ms Tshiamo Diteko.

Ms Phetso Mabifi was elected to the post of Secretary General, while Mr Galempone Kaisara became the vice Secretary General.

The treasurer is Ms Kerapetse Moyampi, whilst Mr Monnye Disepo and Mr Kennedy Mhapha were voted as additional members.

Three members were elected into the board being Mr Keletile Ketshabile, Mr Badiredi Setswalo and Ms Ruth Sondani. ENDS