Tekatakho Co-operative to rule the roost — Impact comes in small packages
That’s what can immediately be said of Tekatakho Co-operatives, whose main objective in the poultry industry, is to package their chickens and have them sold at leading supermarkets in the country.
They are the producers of broilers to the local market, but have a dream of supplying the whole country. They started off with 6 000 chicks which are developed over a six-week cycle. Their magnificent poultry centre consists of thermometers,
feeders, drinkers, lights and heaters.
They also have a Jojo tank for water supply and an adjacent office and ablutions and showers. They also revealed that their structure, equipment and fencing were supplied by the Department of Agriculture, Rural Development and Land Administration.
Situated on the outskirts of Thandukukhanya Township in the Mkhondo local municipality, Tekatakho Co-operatives who were originally known as Siyaphambili, but registered in the latter, were established way back in 1999 and comprises of
10 members, eight males and two females.
Their enthusiasm has been further enhanced by the Comprehensive Rural Development Programme (CRDP) whose main focus is to enhance rural development socially, economically, politically and sporting-wise, too.
According to Chairperson, Mr Nhlanhla Mavuso, the organisation has prepared itself well for tough business task ahead. “We acquired the 10-hectare land from the municipality in 2004, then drafted our business plan which we presented to
the department of agriculture.
“All members were appointed to undergo training in poultry farming. As is, all members hold seven certificates each in poultry, bookkeeping, compost-making and many others. As it is, we’re ready to take on big business, although we’ll
start off small,” he says.
Currently, as their poultry farm stands ready to kick-off, Tekatakho Co-operatives is conducting a market research about where to penetrate in order to make the much-needed impact, their primary objective.
“If you’re talk of co-ops and how they function, ask us as we’ve been thoroughly trained in that respect. With the current building, we’re looking to expand to fill the whole place with broilers. We will also reach a stage, whereby, we
will produce our own chicks through an incubator, instead of buying them.
“Our market focus is supplying our Tekatakho Co-operatives-packaged chicken to major market outlets like the City deep Market in Johannesburg, , Umnandi Abbatoir (currently supplying), Correctional Services, Checkers and Spar outlets,”
explained Mavuso.
Their five-member committee comprises of Mavuso as chairperson, vice chairperson – Ms Nonhle Kunene, Secretary – Ms Rejoice Nhlengethwa, Vice-Secretary - Mr Mdu Nduze and Treasurer – Mr Mbhekeni Nkonyane.
The committee meets monthly, apart from special meetings. Their financial plan is to split dividends at the end of each year.
Sound planning reaps dividends, indeed.
