The Alfred Duma Local Municipality, under the leadership of Mayor Cllr ZJ Sibisi, has taken a significant step towards strengthening the local poultry sector by hosting a comprehensive training session for poultry farmers. The event took place on Thursday, 07 August 2025, at the eZimbuzini Community Hall and brought together Driefontein Cluster poultry farmers from wards 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 23, 24, and 26.
The primary objective of the training was to foster a culture of self-help and self-reliance among poultry farmers while also providing a platform to address key challenges facing the sector. Cllr MG Zikalala welcomed all attendees, highlighting the importance of engaging with SMME poultry farmers to explore innovative and sustainable farming strategies.
In his address, Honourable Speaker Cllr BP Sithole explained that the training was a direct response to the recent handover of Local Economic Development (LED) materials—including chicks—by the municipality. It became evident that recipients required further guidance on poultry farming management and accessing markets, prompting the municipality to organize this targeted training.
The initiative, led by the department of DPHS (Local Economic Development), was designed to equip SMMEs within the municipality with both knowledge and practical skills essential for sustainable poultry farming. The session covered a range of topics crucial to the success of poultry enterprises.
The event was attended by key stakeholders, Cllr Mkhasibe, Cllr Mswane, Cllr Zikalala, Cllr Msimang, representatives from Avipharm KZN (Pty) Ltd, and numerous poultry farmers from the Cluster.
Mr Nzimande of Avipharm KZN (Pty) Ltd engaged directly with the farmers, delivering a detailed presentation on best practices in poultry farming. Topics included proper housing ventilation, effective feeding techniques, the use of disinfectants, rodent control, vitamin supplementation, water treatment, and fumigation practices.
This training marks a continued commitment by the Alfred Duma Local Municipality to empower local farmers, promote economic development, and ensure the sustainability of the poultry sector.
Issued by:
Alfred Duma Local Municipality – Communications and Intergovernmental Relations Section
Media Enquiries: Acting Manager, Communication and IGR T.N. Mkhize – 072 579 9544