Savanna Beef Processors, anticipated to become one of the most technologically advanced abattoirs in the country, recently conducted its first trial slaughter at its new processing facility located between Windhoek and Okahandja. 

This slaughter testing involved over 20 cattle. 

The primary objective of the trial was to verify the functionality of all equipment and to conduct the first training session for personnel on the slaughter line, familiarising them with the machinery, technological advancements, data collection methods, and software procedures. 

Once fully operational, the company plans to slaughter an average of 250 cattle per day by February next year. 

The company is targeting significant market shares in the lucrative European market and exploring opportunities in the underdeveloped Asian beef market.

Production

According to Savanna Beef chairperson Mecki Schneider, they have the support from an Irish team who supplied part of the equipment, as well as the training team, still under the Nexus EPC contract. 

“Many other equipment suppliers, engineers, and financiers monitored the slaughter procedure with great enthusiasm and interest. After the delivery of 20 slaughter cattle of various types from a shareholder near Windhoek, the offloading and data capture were teste After taking one animal through the slaughter line without any major hick-ups, the management team immediately decided to slaughter another five cattle.”

Schneider further explained the trial slaughter process, stating that not only were the slaughter lines and personnel’s efficiency tested, but a thorough testing and monitoring of cooling facilities, deboning hall equipment, and vacuum packing machines were also thoroughly tested. 

The first slaughter animal was de-hided with a state-of-the art automatic hide-puller, the first one on the African continent.

An additional 24 cattle were slaughtered during the process to identify numerous improvements and adjustments, which will be made after the first practical testing of the equipment and training of personnel.

“The Savanna Beef team plans to test and perfect the deboning hall equipment, vacuum packing machines, boxing of the product, and train personnel on the special cuts required and handling the equipment on that side of the plant. Many small adjustments that are now planned will make this facility even more efficient,” added Schneider. 

Accreditation 

Next on Savanna Beef’s agenda is to secure SADC export status and start the EU accreditation process. 

“The board has given the mandate to management to acquire cattle on an ad hoc basis as needed until the official slaughter allocation system takes over, hopefully in the new financial year after February 2026, when EU accreditation has been achieved.” 

Savanna Beef also plans to establish trade relationships with Australia and New Zealand, both globally recognized beef-exporting countries. 

This publication also reported last year that Savanna Beef had secured a sales and marketing agreement with GPS Food Group in the UK, which would grant further access to international beef markets. GPS is the company that previously provided marketing services for Meatco.

-ohembapu@nepc.com.na