Windhoek:The Meat Corporation of Namibia (Meatco) is set to conduct a limited two-day cattle slaughter operation on October 27 and 28, 2026, exclusively for the Namibian market. The cattle will come from Meatco's own feedlots, with all beef produced during this period intended for domestic consumption.
According to NAMPA, this operation will adhere to the Standard Operating Procedure Circular v8 of 2026, issued by the Directorate of Veterinary Services (DVS), as stated in a media release by Meatco's deputy board chairperson, Stephanie de Klerk. The company had suspended normal slaughter operations on September 23, 2026, due to a Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) outbreak.
De Klerk emphasized that this limited slaughter does not signify a return to regular operations or the resumption of livestock procurement from producers. She pointed out that domestic market prices are considerably lower than those in premium export markets, particularly in Europe, and that Meatco is far from achieving commercial recovery. Despite these efforts, the limited slaughter cannot replace the revenue and margins generated through normal export operations.
In response to the financial challenges, the Meatco board and management have implemented emergency cost-containment measures. These include restrictions on non-essential expenditure, procurement, official travel, tighter controls on overtime and recruitment, and temporary special leave arrangements due to the suspension of production. De Klerk also mentioned ongoing discussions with trade unions and employee representatives regarding labor cost reductions.
Meatco has called on the Government, as a shareholder, and other industry partners to work towards practical financial and commercial solutions. The corporation is exploring opportunities to supply domestic retail, wholesale, hospitality, and catering markets, but De Klerk noted that these efforts cannot fully compensate for the loss of higher-value export markets.
The broader resumption of slaughter and procurement will depend on further directives from the DVS, and De Klerk stated that there is currently no reliable prediction for when Meatco will resume normal operations or achieve commercial sustainability.