The Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC) is continuing to advance inclusive economic growth and agricultural development through strategic investments that are empowering local poultry cooperatives to expand production, improve infrastructure and create sustainable employment opportunities.
Through its Imvaba Cooperative Fund, the Corporation has invested R642,679.58 in two family-owned poultry cooperatives in Kariega, reinforcing government’s commitment to supporting black-owned enterprises and strengthening food security across the province.
Milani Macethe Poultry Production Primary Cooperative received R379,346.83 to rehabilitate poultry infrastructure and acquire processing and cold-chain equipment. Established in 2002, the cooperative operates on a 12-hectare farm in Rocklands Valley, supplying both live and processed chickens to local residents and traders. It currently produces 1,500 broilers per production cycle and provides permanent employment to two women from the surrounding community.
The funding has enabled the reconstruction of poultry houses with the capacity to accommodate up to 6,000 broilers, while also supporting the purchase of day-old chicks, poultry feed and essential processing equipment.
Langbooi Sthathu Agricultural Primary Cooperative also benefited from the Imvaba Cooperative Fund, receiving R263,332.75 to renovate broiler housing, purchase processing machinery and equipment, and procure day-old chicks and poultry feed.
Established in 2003, the family-owned enterprise is managed by five members of the Langbooi family and currently employs eight people. The cooperative produces approximately 1,440 broilers every four weeks, supplying poultry products to local consumers and businesses, including Yonayethu and Endaweni Tshisanyama. Chairperson Ntombizanele Langbooi says the investment has significantly strengthened the business,” The Imvaba Cooperative Fund has placed our family's farming business on a strong growth path. It has helped our broiler poultry operation immensely, particularly through the acquisition of machinery and equipment that has improved our production capacity," says Langbooi.
ECDC Assistant Manager for Financial Incentives and Business Support, Fikile Mzinyati, said the Corporation’s continued investment reflects its commitment to supporting cooperative development and expanding opportunities within the agricultural sector, “The ECDC's investment through the Imvaba Cooperative Fund demonstrates the Corporation's commitment to developing black-owned cooperatives, strengthening agricultural enterprises and supporting inclusive economic growth in the Eastern Cape,” said Mzinyati.
The investment also builds on ongoing government agricultural development initiatives that have supported both cooperatives over several years, including the implementation of biosecurity measures that promote healthy poultry production. By strengthening emerging agricultural enterprises, the ECDC continues to stimulate local economic development, enhance food production and create meaningful livelihood opportunities for communities across the Eastern Cape.
