MEDIA RELEASE

On 24 June 2016, Meatco held its 30th Annual General Meeting (AGM) at the Wanderers Sports Club in Pionierspark, Windhoek at 09h00, amidst challenges such as drought, policy transformation and animal disease hampering the industry. Addressing the producers at Meatco’s 30th AGM, Meatco Board Chairperson Dr. Martha Namundjebo-Tilahun highlighted that the corporation continues to make great strides under difficult circumstances. Namundjebo-Tilahun also highlighted that international markets have been challenged, but although the producers continue to farm under very difficult circumstances, Meatco continues to strive to pay producers better prices.

The AGM which was for the first time attended by Hon. John Mutorwa, Minister of Agriculture, Water and Forestry (MAWF) saw over 150 members, who came from as far as the Zambezi-, Kunene-, Kavango- and Ohangwena Region, to shape the direction of the company that has been in existence for more than 30 years.

The Minister at the AGM reported that Government was glad to grant permission of Omutambo-Mawe, one of the biggest quarantine camps situated in the Kunene for Meatco’s usage. Meatco will use this quarantine camp to keep cattle when buying animals from farmers to alleviate the challenges of farmers and enable them to market their animals, in preparation for the new business model. This exercise will commence soon, because MAWF only responded two weeks ago to Meatco.

The declining trend in slaughter cattle to Meatco continued in the year under review, with only 116 948 compared to 120 000 in the previous year. Of Meatco’s revenue, 62.35% was paid to Producers according to Meatco’s Annual Report 2015/2016 officially launched at the AGM.

Addressing Meatco members, the company Chief Executive Officer, Adv. Vekuii Rukoro thanked the producers and reaffirmed the company’s position to serve the producers where ever they find themselves. Rukoro highlighted that the new Mobile Slaughter Unit will arrive in Namibia within three weeks to enable communal farmers to start marketing their livestock.

Producers were also informed that with the drought prevailing – the Backwards Integration strategy of expanding Meatco’s feedlot initiatives is progressing well. Rukoro reported back to the producers that the Ministry of Environment and Tourism issued an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Certificate to Meatco and Meatco was cleared to operate the newly identified Annesruh feedlot 15km west of Gobabis.

Former Meatco Board Chairperson Reinie Rusch who served for 13 years at Meatco ‘s board from 1988 – 2001, attended the 30th AGM and highlighted that the company should continue to take decisions on amicable consensus and at the end of the day have a common understanding in order to steer the company into the right directions.

The current Meatco Board term comes to an end on 03 October 2016 and members were assured by the Minister John Mutorwa that he will duly execute his duties as appointing authority on time.

Issued by Neu-Nique Rittmann
Senior Communication Officer

Contact person: Rosa Hamukuaja – Thobias
Manager: Corporate Affairs
Meat Corporation of Namibia, (MEATCO)
Tel: +264 (0)61 321 6400
Fax: +264 (0)61 321 6401
Mobile: +264 (0) 81 122 58 27
E-mail: rthobias@meatco.com.na
Website: www.meatco.com.na

Meatco Board Chairperson Dr. Martha Namundjebo-Tilahun.

Meatco 30th AGM in session.

Hon. John Mutorwa, Minister of Agriculture, Water and Forestry (MAWF).

The 30th Meatco Annual General Meeting, saw over 150 members in attendance.