Zwii Maphiri & Tshifhiwa Muifha
MEC’s previous award holder, Claudi Du Plessis from Harmonie Abattoir, delivers a speech of appreciation.
Vhembe district proudly hosted the Provincial Abattoir Industry consultative forum and capacity building workshop followed by the 6th Provincial Abattoir Rating Scheme (PARS) awards at Khoroni hotel on the 23 -24 October 2024.
Meat Safety Scheme, a brainchild of the National Department of Agriculture Land Reform and Rural Development, was Launched as PARS in Limpopo province in 2016. This initiative recognizes the dedication of abattoirs that maintain compliance with meat safety standards.
Speaking during the forum, Limpopo Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (LDARD)’s Dr Johan Mentz shared some highlights on Meat Inspection Scheme. He indicated that the scheme is compulsory and that it applies to all abattoirs in South Africa except only those exempted by the Minister. According to Dr Mentz, Abattoir owners have got a responsibility amongst others to allow the meat inspection personnel to exercise their duties within the abattoir without undue pressure, and to respect the decisions by meat inspection personnel.
At the awards ceremony, Acting HOD from LDARD, Jethro Nowata, celebrated the significant advancements made in Limpopo's meat industry over the past seven years of PARS’ existence. He commended the efforts of meat ambassadors who promote food safety initiatives, stating, “As food poisoning incidents are on the rise, our department is committed to supporting abattoirs in ensuring the continuous production of meat that adheres to excellent hygienic practices and safety standards.”
Awards were presented across several categories, including Rural Abattoirs, Chicken Low Throughput, Red Meat Low Throughput, Chicken High Throughput, Red Meat High Throughput, Export, and the MEC Special Award. Notable winners included:
Kgotsong was crowned the winner under Rural Abattoirs category, while Bosveldros Chickens scooped 1st place award under Chicken Low Throughput category. Harmonie too was crowned 1st place award under Redmeat Low Throughput. Chicken High Throughput category award went to Bushvalley chicken producers while Vencor and Waltkon were both crowned winner under Redmeat High Throughput category. Chestnut Hills was awarded the best Exporting Abattoir. Vencor was honoured with the MEC Special Award.
The first-place winners received certificates and floating trophies while second and third place winners received certificates and trophies. Abattoirs recognised for continuous improvements received certificates only.
MEC Nakedi Kekana (left) and Gana Shalati’s recent inspection visit to Vencor’s Abattoir outside Polokwane.
Dr Moses Mabunda, Jacobus Nel a VPHO receives an award on behalf of Hoornbosch Abattoir, Cllr Sarah Rammbuda Mayor of Thulamela local Municipality, Acting HOD Jethro Nowata and Dr Shayna Louw, from Red Meat Abattoir Association.
