Dewald Olivier, CEO of Red Meat Industry Services (RMIS), delivered a key address at the GCCA Africa Conference, where he outlined the critical role RMIS plays in managing the red meat value chain in South Africa. This is part five of a five-part series.
Olivier was clear: the success of South Africa’s meat industry depends not only on farmers and regulators, but also on cold chain, logistics and export partners. “You’re the ones who take our product across the water. We can’t do that. If we can make your job easier by providing reliable traceability and health records, we will.”
He invited logistics stakeholders to access RMIS systems and integrate via APIs to streamline data sharing, movement records, and health documentation. “We’d love to show you what we’ve built. Let’s work together.”
The path to 2030: transforming the informal value chain
One of RMIS’s boldest goals is to bridge the gap between informal and commercial agriculture. Currently, large portions of South Africa’s red meat production exist outside formal supply chains.
The goal? By 2030, to integrate at least 250 000 weaner calves from emerging farms into the formal value chain. “It’s a process. But with transformation, traceability and collaboration, we can grow the industry – not just divide it,” Olivier said.
Final thoughts: a call for oversight and collaboration
In closing, Olivier urged the broader supply chain – cold chain providers, abattoirs, exporters and importers – to adopt biosecurity protocols and participate in disease oversight, even if informally. “Just like we had COVID protocols, let’s have FMD protocols. Ask for biosecurity assurance, check movement documentation, and share your data. Let’s protect our businesses and our country together.”
RMIS stands ready to collaborate. “Please reach out. We’re transparent, we’re integrated, and we’re building something we believe will make a difference.”
Key takeaways:
- FMD and Brucellosis must be treated as long-term management issues, not short-term crises
- Traceability is essential to unlocking trade and restoring confidence in South African beef
- Biosecurity Marshals are revolutionising enforcement with powers to inspect and intervene
- RMIS is prioritising realistic export markets, while gradually working towards tougher ones
- Integration with logistics and cold chain partners will ensure a resilient, export-ready industry