The Alfred Duma Local Municipality, led by Mayor Cllr ZJ Sibisi, successfully conducted a training session for poultry farmers on Friday, 04 July 2025, at the uMnambithi Town Hall.
The purpose of the training was to promote a self-help and self-reliance strategy among poultry farmers while also creating a platform to discuss key challenges in the sector. The Speaker, Cllr BP Sithole, welcomed all attendees and emphasized the importance of engaging with SMME poultry farmers to explore and strengthen farming strategies.
Following the recent handover of LED materials — including chicks — by the municipality, it became apparent that recipients required additional training on poultry farming management and market access. This training initiative, spearheaded by the Department of Local Economic Development, aimed to empower SMMEs within the municipality with knowledge and practical skills for sustainable poultry farming.
The session was held in collaboration with several key stakeholders, including:
- Councillors
- ABSA Bank – Ms Singh
- Standard Bank – Mr Mntungwa
- SEDA – Ms Nyembe
- Department of Agriculture – Ms Dlamini
- Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs – Mr Dlamini
- Avipharm KZN (Pty) Ltd – Mr Nzimande
Stakeholders engaged directly with poultry farmers during the session. Mr Nzimande of Avipharm KZN (Pty) Ltd presented essential strategies on poultry farming, including proper housing ventilation, feeding techniques, use of disinfectants, rodent control, vitamin supplements, water treatment, and fumigation practices.
Ms Nyembe from the Small Enterprise Development Agency (SEDA) outlined available support for small businesses. This includes both non-financial (training) and financial support, such as grants and loans. She highlighted that for farmers to qualify for funding, they must ensure full compliance with required documentation. SEDA offers funding for both start-up and existing farmers, including:
- Asset Assist Funding – for equipment and raw materials
- Cooperative Development Programme
- Spaza Shop Support
Representatives from the Department of Agriculture and EDTEA also outlined their ongoing support programmes aimed at empowering SMMEs in the agricultural sector.
Standard Bank emphasized the importance of maintaining a properly managed business bank account as a key element of financial discipline for small enterprises.
Additionally, Mahlaba Chicken committed to hosting a workshop for SMMEs on a date to be confirmed through the municipality’s Local Economic Development office. They also shared practical marketing strategies for reaching local supermarket outlets.
Issued by:
Alfred Duma Local Municipality – Communications and Intergovernmental Relations Section
Media Enquiries: Ms T.N. Mkhize – 072 579 9544