Mr Mlungiseleli Zilimbola

Heah Trading Enterprise

Mlungiseleli Zilimbola is the Head Trading Enterprise. He has more than 20 years of experience. Mr Zilimbola is a B.Com General graduate and he has postgraduate qualifications such as B.Com Honors & MBA as well as 1 year Project Management Certificate. Trading Enterprise Department is mainly responsible for upwards and downstream in agriculture products and revenue generation to fund Ntinga Operations, create market for O.R. Tambo farmers and wholesale to buyers. In terms of Board Committees, the department is reporting directly to SDIC Board Committees led by Mr Mzimkhulu Msiwa. Mr Zilimbola is assisted in managing the department by Xola Mapatwana( Abattoir Manager), Anela Giwu ( KFPM Acting Manager) and Nontlahla Matatshi( Adam Kok Farm Manager).

The Department is responsible for the following Trading Enterprise:

Umzikantu Red Meat Abattoir Umzikantu Abattoir is one of the high throughput abattoirs in the Eastern Cape Province located at Nyameni Road in Zimbane location under the jurisdictioary area of O.R. Tambo District Municipality ( ORTDM). It is the only red meat abattoir that is operational in the ORTDM. It is certified and has the capacity to slaughter 50 units per day where one unity is equal to 1 cow/ox/bull, or 2 calves, or 6 sheep, or 4 porker pigs, or 2 bacon pigs, or 1 sausage pig.

The abattoir is open to everyone and offers slaughter and cutting services to the public at an affordable fee. Health and hygiene standards and the abattoir complies with the set standards. In 2017 Umzikantu Red Meat Abattoir was awarded by he Eastern Cape Department of Rural Development and Agrarian Reform as one of the best abattoirs in the High Throughput Red Meat Abattoir Category. The meat is purchased from the livestock producers and farmers. Umzikantu Abattoir sells high quality meat at very competitive prices to customers as General public, Supermarkets, Butcheries, Hospitals as well Hostels around ORTDM. It opens at 7am tell 4pm during business days. The abattoir operates on a first come first serve basis.

Kei Fresh Produce Market (KFPM)

The Fresh Produce Market is one of 24 National Fresh Produce Commission Markets in South Africa. The market has 3 400 m2 trading floor space. The core business of the KFPM is to market and sell agricultural fresh produce ( variety of edible fruits and vegetables) through accredited Agricultural Fresh Produce Market Agents to Retail Groups, Hawkers, Spaza shops, Tenderpreneurs, Government and public in general. It is suitable in Vulindlelela Heights, Southerwood, Mthatha; No. 32 Errol Spring Street next to BT Ngebs Mall/ Mthatha Soccer stadium and is 2 km away from Mthatha town.

Trade takes place via a commission system with the Market charging the producer a mere 5% commission on all sales made on the commission floor. A further negotiable levy of 7.5% is paid to Market Agents for selling produce on behalf of the farmer. To safeguard and keep track records of farmers' produce and sales on a daily basis, the entity use IT system to be able to keep records and make daily payments to farmers for produce sold. As value-adding services, the Market has cold storage facilities to accommodate tons of fresh produce supply from farmers at any one time. Trading takes place from 06h00 till 13h00 during the week, and from 06h00 to 09h00 on Saturdays. Local farmers are encouraged to supply quality produce to the market to boost economic activity of the O.R. Tambo. The Market serves many local and international farmers from the African Continent.

O.R. Tambo Farms ( Adm Kok Farms)

O.R. Tambo Farms are situatates in Swaryberg in the Kokstad Municipality, comprise of seven farms whose main function is to produce enough beef cattle foe Umzikantu Red Meat Abattoir and other markets. 80% of the farm is suitable for cattle ranching.

Cattles are purchased, bred and fatted at wo sites, namely, Adam Kok and Ikhwezi Farms for the supply of slaughter cattle for Umzikantu Abattoir.

Nucleus breeding stock is kept at Adam Kok Farms for purposes of continuing farming, thereby adding value to the fattening programme.

Steers from the breeding stock are sent to the market whilst heifers are kept for replacement.

On farm breeding of suitable breed for heifer exchange with subsistence and emerging farmers is gradually introduced, towards development of local farmers.

The available arable land is utilised for production of beef cattle feed, such as winter pastures, hay bales and maize grain, cash crops for revenue enhancement.