28 February 2006
Seven hundred jobs is what Mafikeng, a city faced with high unemployment,
needs right now. Country Bird, the fourth largest poultry producer in the
country, has opened business in the city.
The arrival of the poultry producer in November last year meant a boost for
the local economy as well as the province. The company recently concluded a
Black Economic Empowerment deal in which a local consortium obtained a 26%
stake. In two years the company has invested R50 million in the business.
The demise of Agrichicks in 2003 resulted in a loss of hundreds of jobs for
local residents. The Agrichicks abattoirs stood dormant for three years. The
recently acquired and refurbished abattoir in Mafikeng is Country Birdâs third
in the province. It has capacity to produce 500 000 birds per week. By April
2006, production will be expanded to 1,4 million birds per week.
Currently the company exports to other African countries, which
automatically calls for an expansion and therefore more jobs for the people of
North West Province. The presence of an Angolan and Democratic Republic of
Congo representation at the facilities in Mafikeng recently promises a possible
partnership with these countries.
Currently 66% of chickens for the company are produced from within the
province. At least 40 tons a week is earmarked for the Botswana market. There
are 54 broiler producers for the company in the North West. This puts estimates
for employees in the company including breeder and hatchery to 2 000.
The MEC for Economic Development and Tourism, Darkey Afrika, says the
provincial governmentâs linkages with private partners are critical for
sustainable, shared and accelerated growth.
âUnder the Accelerated and Shared Growth Initiative for South Africa
(ASGISA) we have a collective responsibility to ensure that our economy grows
at a faster rate. For many in the country the once elusive 6% targeted for
growth is clearly within reach, albeit that we had set that for 2014â, said
Afrika.
He added that the provincial government and its partnersâ leadership and
pragmatism manifest in the provincial growth and development strategy as well
as the growth frameworks presented by national government.
Country Bird Managing Director, Isak Breytenbach, is upbeat about possible
growth and expansion of the company in the province. He said 1 500 North
Westerners are undergoing training in the poultry business. Grain used in the
poultry market in the province is produced from within the region.
He said the companyâs plant in Tirhane near Hartebees in the North West is
used as their exporting facility, which has created jobs for the poor community
in the area.
Enquiries:
Russel Mamabolo
Manager â Media Relations
Tel: (018) 389 3103
Cell: 082 900 6610
Cornelius Monama
Spokesperson
Tel: (018) 387 3456
Cell: 082 578 4063
Issued by: Office of the Premier, North West Provincial Government
28 February 2006
