Pretoria: Minister of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment, Barbara Creecy, announced the publication of the Game Meat Strategy for South Africa. Officially released in the Government Gazette No. 49620, this strategy is set for immediate implementation. Approved by the Cabinet on September 27, 2023, the Game Meat Strategy represents a significant move to formalize and transform the country’s game meat industry.
According to South African Government News Agency, Fisheries, and the Environment, the strategy aims to enhance food security and foster economic growth through the game meat sector. It envisions creating a formalized and transformed game meat industry in South Africa, contributing to thriving rural economies, conservation, and sustainable use of biodiversity. The Strategy outlines objectives to reduce environmental risks and promote inclusive socio-economic growth, addressing issues like poverty, zoonotic diseases, climate change, and food insecurity.
South Africa, ranked number one in Africa for game meat production, seeks to capitalize on the economic opportunities in this sector. The Strategy aims to create 202,666 sustainable jobs in the game meat industry by 2030, highlighting its potential as a significant contributor to the nation’s economy. It calls for collaboration among various stakeholders, including government bodies, community leaders, NGOs, the private sector, funders, academia, and research institutions, to ensure effective implementation.
The full Game Meat Strategy is accessible online at the Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment’s official website and the Government Gazette. This strategy represents a comprehensive effort to leverage South Africa’s natural resources for the benefit of its population, emphasizing the importance of sustainable practices in the game meat industry.