A Cape Town AgriProtein facility has successfully proven that insects can be considered as a new protein source for animal feed. The research was funded by the Department of Science and Technology, through the Technology Innovation Agency.
The Minister of Science and Technology, Naledi Pandor, will launch the AgriProtein Manufacturing and Commercial Facility in Philippi township, Cape Town on 12 September 2017. The launch event will take place in the form of a Public Participation Programme (PPP) with 700 people from the community expected to attend.
AgriProtein Technologies (Pty) Ltd is a technology start-up located in Philippi, one of the economically depressed areas in Cape Town. Since 2009, the company has successfully developed and piloted a nutrient recycling technology (converting organic waste to animal feed protein) as part of their strategy to commercialise an insect-based protein feed in the animal feed industry.
AgriProtein Technologies (Pty) Ltd, an example of a technological breakthrough within the environmental and agricultural sector, demonstrates that South Africa is responding to the National Development Plan with regard to moving towards a knowledge-based economy and innovation.
The AgriProtein Manufacturing and Commercial Facility in Philippi is one of three commercial facilities planned for South Africa. At this stage, the facility has created 30 job opportunities within the community. This number is expected to increase substantially upon establishment of the other production facilities.
The media are invited to join Minister Pandor for a tour of the facility and to attend the PPP.
The media are invited as follows:
Date: Tuesday, 12 September 2017
Time: 9h00–13h00
Venue: AgriProtein Technologies, Philippi, Cape Town
For media confirmations, please contact David Mandaha on 072 126 8910.
Enquiries:
Lunga Ngqengelele
Media Liaison Officer
Cell: 082 566 0446
