Foreword from Mr. Kinnear, CEO of Reliance Poultry Equipment

"As we enter 2025, Reliance Poultry Equipment remains committed to advancing the poultry industry through innovation, sustainability, and excellence. With over three decades of experience, we have built a reputation for delivering high-quality poultry equipment tailored to the needs of farmers across South and Sub-Saharan Africa. Looking ahead, our mission is to continue enhancing farm productivity, sustainability, and efficiency through cutting-edge solutions and strategic partnerships. We are dedicated to ensuring that poultry farming remains a viable, profitable, and future-ready industry." - Mr. Peter Kinnear, CEO, Reliance Poultry Equipment

Poultry Equipment: Shaping the Future of Poultry Farming

As one of the leading poultry equipment manufacturers and distributors in the region, Reliance Poultry Equipment continues to set industry benchmarks in quality, efficiency, and sustainability. The company's focus for 2025 is centered on innovation, automation, and farmer success.

Key Focus Areas for 2025:

Automation & Smart Farming Solutions

We are investing in automated feeding, drinking, and climate control systems to improve farm productivity and reduce operational costs. These advancements will help farmers optimize resource management and maintain optimal conditions for flock health.

Sustainable & Eco-Friendly Farming Practices

With growing global emphasis on sustainability, we are committed to offering energy-efficient and waste-reducing poultry solutions. Our reconditioning services also help extend the lifespan of equipment, reducing environmental impact.

Expansion & Industry Collaboration

Reliance Poultry Equipment aims to expand its footprint, reaching more farmers with customized solutions for large and small-scale poultry operations. We will continue collaborating with industry stakeholders, government initiatives, and research institutions to drive sustainable growth in the poultry sector.

Supporting Farmers with Training & After-Sales Excellence

We believe that empowering farmers is key to industry growth. In 2025, we will expand training programs and provide ongoing support to ensure that farmers get the best out of their equipment. Looking Ahead

As the agricultural sector evolves, Reliance Poultry Equipment remains steadfast in its mission to support, innovate, and lead. By embracing advanced technologies, sustainability practices, and customer-focused strategies, we are well-positioned to shape the future of poultry farming in South Africa and beyond.

Road Services in South Africa

Road services play a critical role in South Africa's transportation infrastructure, supporting economic growth, trade, and daily mobility. The country has an extensive road network that connects cities, rural areas, and neighboring countries, making road transport the backbone of commerce and industry.

Efficient road services ensure the safe and smooth movement of goods and people. This includes road maintenance, traffic management, and emergency response services. Well-maintained roads reduce travel time, lower vehicle maintenance costs, and improve road safety. However, challenges such as potholes, congestion, and inadequate public transport systems affect the efficiency of road services.

Government initiatives, such as the South African National Roads Agency (SANRAL), oversee the development and maintenance of major highways and toll roads. Investments in road upgrades, smart traffic management systems, and alternative transport solutions are essential to improving mobility and reducing congestion in urban areas.

Additionally, road services are vital for emergency response, ensuring that ambulances, fire trucks, and law enforcement can reach their destinations quickly. Reliable road networks also enhance tourism, making travel between key destinations smoother and more enjoyable.

While road infrastructure development remains a priority, there is also a need for sustainable solutions, such as improved public transport, alternative fuels, and smart road technology. By enhancing road services, South Africa can boost economic activity, improve road safety, and create a more efficient transport system for all citizens.

The Importance of Water Saving in South Africa

Water is one of South Africa's most precious and limited resources. As a water-scarce country, South Africa faces ongoing challenges due to climate change, population growth, and increasing demand for water in agriculture, industry, and households. Efficient water usage is essential to ensure long-term sustainability and prevent future shortages.

South Africa's rainfall is lower than the global average, and many regions experience frequent droughts. The country's reliance on inconsistent rainfall means that careful water management is crucial for maintaining supplies for drinking, sanitation, food production, and economic activities. When water is wasted, it reduces availability for essential uses and threatens ecosystems, agriculture, and industries that rely on a stable water supply.

Saving water helps conserve natural ecosystems such as rivers, wetlands, and dams, which play a vital role in water filtration and biodiversity. When these water sources dry up due to overuse or drought, it negatively impacts wildlife, farming communities, and people who depend on them. Efficient water use also reduces pressure on South Africa's aging water infrastructure, preventing costly repairs and water losses due to leaks and inefficiencies.

Water-saving measures, such as fixing leaks, using water-efficient appliances, harvesting rainwater, and reducing unnecessary consumption, can make a significant difference. Government initiatives, businesses, and individuals must work together to promote sustainable water use through education, improved technology, and responsible consumption practices.

With growing concerns about climate change and future water security, South Africans must prioritize water conservation. By taking proactive steps to reduce wastage, the country can ensure a more resilient and sustainable water supply for generations to come.

Transforming the Poultry Industry: Government Support for Black-Owned Businesses

Government support for black-owned poultry businesses is crucial for industry transformation and national food security. However, sustained success hinges on black enterprises integrating across the entire poultry value chain. This perspective is shared by 37-year-old North West industrialist, Mr. Ofentse Moloko.

Moloko is the CEO and Managing Director of Baramakama Poultry, a family-owned egg-laying business in Molote City, North West. The company received R50 million in funding from the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic) and the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) under the Black Industrialists Programme. This initiative aims to enhance black participation in South Africa's industrial sectors and value chains.

"We are a testament to what black-owned businesses can achieve with government support in the poultry industry. Our journey began in 2016 when my father invested his savings to uplift the Molote City community. We saw an opportunity in poultry farming, particularly in egg production, due to its potential for job creation and economic transformation. For nearly three years, we sought financing from private banks, but our applications were repeatedly declined, primarily because the land belongs to the community. When the dtic and IDC approved our funding after thorough due diligence, it was a breakthrough moment for us," Moloko explains.

The financial backing enabled Baramakama to expand its operations, adding five new automated chicken houses and a modern pack station. This infrastructure boost increased their capacity from 100,000 to 280,000 hens and led to the creation of 40 additional jobs, raising the number of permanent employees from 80 to 112. Notably, nearly 80% of employees are young people, and 44% are women.

"Today, our operation runs 24 hours a day, producing an average of 225,000 eggs daily at full capacity. The government's support has positioned us as a recognized and influential player in the industry," says Moloko.

Despite his gratitude for government assistance, Moloko strongly advocates for broader support across the poultry value chain to ensure sustainability and long-term success.

"For true industry transformation and greater food security, government support must extend across the entire poultry value chain. This includes feed production, hatcheries, abattoirs, chick rearing, processing, and market access. Although we have achieved significant progress, we remain dependent on our main competitors for feed and hens. This vulnerability can be exploited, as supply access is often manipulated to control market conditions," he adds.

Moloko remains cautious about the Poultry Sector Master Plan, a collaborative effort between the government and industry stakeholders, including producers, processors, exporters, importers, and organized labor. While the plan aims to increase black participation and ownership across the value chain, Moloko believes that strategic industry decisions remain heavily influenced by established major players who resist new black entrants in profitable sectors.

Nonetheless, he remains optimistic that increased black participation across the value chain will drive industry transformation, enhance competition, and ultimately benefit all stakeholders.

5 hours ago

South Africa to Host Second G20 Health Working Group Meeting

Next week, South Africa will host the second meeting of the Group of 20 Health Working Group (G20 HWG) at the Capital Zimbali Resort in Ballito, KwaZulu-Natal. The three-day event, commencing on Wednesday, 26 March 2025, will center around the theme “Accelerating Health Equity, Solidarity, and Universal Coverage.”


The meeting will feature various side events, facilitating bilateral and multilateral discussions on key health issues, including strengthening healthcare systems and ensuring equitable access to health services. Topics of discussion will include financial protection for Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and sustaining health financing amid global economic challenges.


Delegates will also focus on investment strategies to advance UHC, narrowing health equity gaps to address non-communicable diseases, and responding to global health financing concerns. Additionally, a co-sponsored event dedicated to eliminating cervical cancer will take place alongside the main meeting.


Attendees will include representatives from G20 member states, invited nations, and international organizations. The G20 comprises 19 countries—Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Türkiye, the United Kingdom, and the United States—along with two regional entities, the European Union and the African Union.


Minister of Health, Dr. Aaron Motsoaledi, will deliver the keynote address at the opening session on 26 March 2025. He will be joined by Deputy Health Minister Dr. Joe Phaahla, KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thami Ntuli, and KwaZulu-Natal Health MEC Nomagugu Simelane.

5 hours ago

Dr. Naledi Pandor Honored as UP Honorary Professor

Higher Education and Training Minister, Dr. Nobuhle Nkabane, has extended her congratulations to former Cabinet Minister, Dr. Naledi Pandor, on her recent appointment as an Honorary Professor in the Faculty of Education at the University of Pretoria (UP).


Nkabane described this recognition as a well-deserved acknowledgment of Pandor’s immense contributions to South Africa’s higher education sector. Throughout her distinguished career, Pandor has served as Minister of Education, Science and Technology, Higher Education and Training, and most recently, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO).


She played a crucial role in reshaping the country’s post-apartheid higher education landscape, ensuring that institutional restructuring fostered inclusivity across racial, gender, and other historically marginalized lines.


The Minister also commended Pandor’s visionary leadership and instrumental efforts in transforming higher education, advocating for social justice and equality through progressive policies.


“South Africa has emerged as a leader in science, technology, and innovation, largely due to the solid groundwork laid by Dr. Pandor. Her dedication to creating an inclusive and well-coordinated higher education sector is truly commendable,” Nkabane stated.


She praised UP for making a fitting choice, emphasizing that Pandor’s expertise and passion for transformation would greatly enrich both the university and the broader academic community.


“Her academic achievements, including her doctoral research on transformation in South African higher education, highlight her deep commitment to fostering a progressive and inclusive sector,” Nkabane added.


Expressing her personal admiration, Nkabane acknowledged Pandor’s role as a mentor and a source of guidance.


“It is a privilege to stand on the shoulders of giants like Dr. Pandor. Her mentorship and wisdom continue to inspire me as we navigate the challenges within our higher education system. Her contributions are invaluable, and I wish her great success in this new chapter,” she said.


The Department of Higher Education and Training extended its best wishes to Dr. Pandor, looking forward to the continued positive impact she will make in the sector.

1 day ago

ANC and Alliance Partners in KZN Strengthen Ties Amid Revival Efforts

The relationship between the African National Congress (ANC) in KwaZulu-Natal, under the leadership of the Provincial Task Team (PTT), and its alliance partners is reportedly on a positive trajectory.


Edwin Mkhize, leader of the Congress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu) in KwaZulu-Natal, expressed optimism about the current dynamics, noting that while it is still too early for definitive conclusions, signs of improvement are evident.


His remarks follow those of Mike Mabuyakhulu, leader of the PTT, who highlighted the effective collaboration between the ANC and its alliance partners on a programme aimed at revitalizing ANC structures and re-establishing its presence in communities.


Previously, relations between the ANC and its alliance partners had deteriorated, with concerns raised about neglect and the ANC leadership's failure to attend alliance meetings. However, Mabuyakhulu has welcomed the revival efforts, emphasizing the active participation and support of alliance partners in the initiatives.


Mkhize reaffirmed their commitment to working alongside the ANC, stating, “It is still too early to make conclusions, but things seem to be progressing in the right direction. We remain cautious, as previous leaderships also showed initial commitment before relations eventually weakened.”


As the ANC and its alliance partners navigate this renewed relationship, the focus remains on strengthening unity and enhancing engagement with communities across KwaZulu-Natal.

4 days ago

KwaZulu-Natal Premier Leads 2025 Umyezane Summit to Empower SMMEs Driving Economic Growth Through Small Business Development

KwaZulu-Natal Premier, Honourable Thamsanqa Ntuli, alongside the Department of Economic Development, Tourism, and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA) led by MEC Rev. Musa Zondi, presided over the highly anticipated 2025 Umyezane Summit, Conference, and Awards. The two-day event served as a key platform for government, business leaders, and entrepreneurs to engage on critical issues affecting small enterprises in the province.


In his address, Premier Ntuli emphasized the pivotal role of small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs) in driving economic transformation and job creation. He reaffirmed the provincial government’s commitment to fostering an enabling environment by addressing challenges such as crime, access to funding, and market opportunities. He stated that the success of SMMEs is crucial for building a resilient and inclusive economy and that through platforms like the Umyezane Summit, the government aims to empower entrepreneurs, revitalize township and rural economies, and create meaningful opportunities for historically disadvantaged business owners.


The conference featured insightful discussions where stakeholders engaged on various challenges and opportunities facing small businesses. Among the key issues addressed were the impact of crime on businesses and strategies to enhance security, the simplification of business registration and licensing processes, and innovative approaches to revitalizing township and rural economies. Discussions also focused on strengthening financial support mechanisms to improve access to funding and market opportunities, as well as accelerating transformation through the Black Industrialists Programme, which expands support for black-owned enterprises in key sectors.


MEC Zondi highlighted the need for stronger public-private partnerships to unlock economic opportunities, emphasizing that eliminating red tape, driving innovation, and creating sustainable pathways for small businesses are critical for long-term success in both local and global markets.


The Umyezane Awards celebrated outstanding entrepreneurs who have demonstrated resilience, innovation, and business excellence in KwaZulu-Natal. The awards recognized achievements in various categories, including youth and women-owned businesses, rural enterprises, and emerging industrialists. Premier Ntuli applauded the winners for their contributions to economic growth and reaffirmed the government’s ongoing support for the province’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.


The 2025 Umyezane Summit and Awards reinforced KwaZulu-Natal’s vision of building a thriving, inclusive economy driven by small businesses. Premier Ntuli assured entrepreneurs of continued policy reforms, financial support, and capacity-building programs to position SMMEs as key drivers of economic growth. The summit concluded with a renewed commitment to collaboration between government, the private sector, and entrepreneurs to accelerate small business development and ensure long-term economic sustainability.