In a significant step towards empowering emerging farmers the province, Eastern Cape MEC for Agriculture Nonceba Kontsiwe today officially handed over a fully equipped abattoir in Sterkstroom, Chris Hani District. This strategic investment, valued at more than R5,6 million, aims to enhance value addition, promote local agro-processing, and enable rural producers to compete effectively in formal commercial markets.
The state-of-the-art facility includes various sections for animal handling, stunning, bleeding, skinning, dressing, and cold storage, thanks to the generous investment from the Department. The abattoir was officially handed over to Vuyani Nqayi (54), the owner of MAN Abattoir, who also owns the renowned Man Buy and Braai outlet. Nqayi's agricultural ventures extend to a farm, butcheries and several outlets selling meat and refreshments in several districts across the Eastern Cape.
I am in disbelief. When I bought this abattoir, it was not in a good state but now, it is at a level equal to other well-established abattoirs in the province. I had always wanted to own an abattoir to supply my butcheries and now I have it. I am grateful to the Eastern Cape government and the Department of Agriculture in particular who when I approached them, heeded my plea and made this possible”, Nqayi said.
Prior to this provincial government investment, Nqayi relied on private abattoirs for slaughtering his livestock, a process he described as both costly and time-consuming. He said having his own facility would significantly cut costs and expedite services to his clients. He said, with the new abattoir now located on his premises, he can manage the entire meat production process, embracing a farm-to-fork” operation.
This integration is expected to create new opportunities for local employment and stimulate economic activity within the community as he has made an undertaking to buy livestock from local farmers.
MEC Kontsiwe said the newly revamped abattoir will not only boost Nqayi but contribute immensely to job creation and the economy of Sterkstroom. Nqayi has 82 people under his employ.
Today marks an important milestone as we handover this facility to an astute family business that has been in existence since 1997. We are encouraged by the work of Mr Nqayi and his family. This is the kind of enterprise we always advocate for as government, to support businesses that have shown capacity, fortitude, resilience, and passion overtime,” she said. MAN, Rural Abattoir can slaughter five cattle, 24 sheep, or 12 pigs per day, with only one species processed on any given day.
