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The Red Meat and Livestock Primary Cluster (RMPC) has published an open letter setting the record straight regarding several key issues in the industry. This comes on the back of reports in the general media in which some role-players were attacked for allegedly not doing their part to protect the value chain adequately. The letter reads as follows:
Red meat statutory levy – key information
The Red Meat and Livestock Primary Cluster (RMPC), comprising of the Red Meat Producers’ Organisation (RPO), the National Emerging Red Meat Producers’ Organisation (Nerpo), the South African Feedlot Association (Safa), and the Red Meat Abattoir Association (RMAA), is a nationally recognised industry structure that, on behalf of its members, applied for the current Red Meat Statutory Levy and established Red Meat Industry Services (RMIS) as a non-profit company to coordinate, audit, and implement levy-funded projects. The RMPC meets quarterly and works closely with RMIS to oversee the progress of levy-funded projects and provide input on emerging industry needs.
Compliance with legal requirements
The RMPC is pleased to confirm that all requirements as stipulated in the Marketing of Agricultural Products Act (MAP Act), 1996 (Act 47 of 1996), as well as the promulgated regulations, have been fully adhered to. The statutory levy is managed with strict audit protocols, annual external audits, and regular reporting to the National Agricultural Marketing Council (NAMC), ensuring transparency and accountability at every stage. The Auditor General of South Africa further audits all audited financial statements to ensure compliance with relevant regulations.
Oversight and strategic alignment
The RMPC has exercised oversight over the spending of statutory funding and can confirm that all allocations have been made as approved in the Red Meat Strategy 2030. Furthermore, the allocation of funds is fully aligned with the application brought to substantiate the statutory measure, ensuring that industry objectives and regulatory requirements are met.
Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) control in South Africa
FMD is a state-controlled disease in South Africa and is officially classified as a “controlled animal disease” under the Animal Diseases Act, 1984 (Act No. 35 of 1984). Control is led by the Department of Agriculture, specifically the Directorate of Animal Health. While the statutory levy can be used to support these efforts through funding and coordination, neither the RMPC nor RMIS have jurisdiction over vaccine handling or quarantine enforcement.
The statutory levy has contributed to facilitating vaccine procurement, investing in an FMD mapping tool, and the development of a traceability platform launched on 4 November, representing a significant investment in national herd protection. We were instrumental in urging the government to appoint the Ministerial Task Team, which comprises 14 industry veterinarians, to tackle not only the challenges of FMD, but also other animal diseases.
Adherence to international standards and crisis response
While compliance with World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) standards and guidelines is essential for South Africa’s export credibility and long-term industry sustainability, the RMPC and RMIS must also respond pragmatically to the imminent crisis currently facing the sector. Although the WOAH’s international guidelines provide a critical framework, the severity and urgency of the present outbreak necessitate certain deviations from these guidelines to protect the national herd and ensure the continued functioning of the value chain.
These measures are taken in close consultation with government and industry stakeholders, with a commitment to return to complete alignment with international standards as soon as the crisis is under control.
Statutory levy management
All statutory levies are ring-fenced, audited annually by external auditors, and governed by the MAP Act. RMIS adheres to strict audit protocols and submits financial reports to the NAMC. Quarterly meetings with the RMPC and RMIS provide progress updates and budget reviews. Board meetings include detailed discussions of budget versus actual expenditures.
The MAP Act’s objectives are:
- Increasing market access for all participants.
- Promoting efficient marketing of agricultural products.
- Optimising export earnings.
- Enhancing the viability of the agricultural sector.
RMIS is governed by a board of directors, with advisory support from the RMPC, ensuring transparency, accountability, and full compliance with statutory and audit requirements. Claims of self-appointment are unfounded.
Levy continuation process
Levy proposals undergo public consultation, industry engagement, and require ministerial approval under the MAP Act. RMPC members decide on levy continuation and value adjustments at their annual general meetings, with final approval by their constituents before submission.
Support for industry pressures
As the RMPC, we acknowledge the financial and operational challenges facing value chain participants, particularly those related to disease control, trade restrictions, and market access.
Through the statutory levy framework, RMIS funds and coordinates risk mitigation, disease management, and biosecurity initiatives aimed at reducing long-term vulnerabilities and protecting industry sustainability. RMIS remains committed to strengthening these systems in collaboration with government and industry stakeholders to ensure that levy-funded interventions deliver tangible impact.
Position on Rooivleis Aksie Groep’s (RAG) intended application
The RMPC has taken note of the Rooivleis Aksie Groep’s intention to bring an application regarding the statutory levy. As the largest grouping representing value chain role-players in the red meat industry, the RMPC does not support this intended action. In fact, the RMPC, together with RMIS, will oppose such action, as it does not reflect the interests or consensus of the broader industry. – RMPC
For further information, please contact Dr Frikkie Mare at frikkie@rpo.co.za, Estelle van Reenen at safa@safeedlot.co.za, Dr Gerhard Neethling at info@rmaa.co.za, or Brenda Maaroganye at brendamaaroganye@gmail.com.
