Poultry farmer Paballo Motumi is a woman on a mission to empower a new generation of farmers with the knowledge, tools, and confidence to succeed in poultry farming.
On 30 June 2025, her passion came to life in Dithakong Village, in the Northern Cape, where she led a dynamic JTG Poultry Show workshop that brought together more than 80 attendees from across the John Taolo Gaetsewe District.
“This is more than a workshop,” said Motumi, who is also the founder of GG Enterprise.
“It’s a movement. I want people in rural areas to know that they can farm successfully, even with limited resources. Knowledge is the game-changer.”
The workshop drew farmers and stakeholders from as far as Tlagameng and Deurwaard, all eager to learn and grow. For many, it was their first time engaging in such a practical and inspiring forum. The event was supported by the Dithakong Multi-Stakeholder Relations Forum, which helped coordinate logistics and hosted the team with warmth and professionalism.
Motumi was especially encouraged by the strong presence of youth and women in the crowd. “Seeing young people so engaged gives me so much hope for the future of agriculture in South Africa. They’re asking the right questions and ready to lead,” she said.
Stand out and sell
At the workshop, Keaobaka Ditlhoisho, senior agricultural advisor from the Northern Cape department of agriculture, environmental affairs, rural development and land reform, delivered an engaging session on the evolution of poultry farming. He explained how the industry has transformed over time, adopting new techniques and technologies that make it easier and more efficient for farmers to operate.
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He also highlighted the importance of strong marketing strategies, offering practical advice on how farmers can better promote and sell their products in competitive markets.
A key takeaway from his talk was the value of programmes like the Smallholder Horticulture Empowerment and Promotion (SHEP) approach. He guided participants on how to use these kinds of initiatives to strengthen their farming ventures and improve their chances of success.
Early disease detection
Dr Frederik Swanepoel and Dr Zani Botes from the State Veterinary Services shared vital information on the most common chicken diseases affecting the district. They underscored the importance of disease awareness and early action to prevent potential outbreaks among poultry flocks.
Their presentation covered key illnesses, outlining typical symptoms and available treatment options. They urged farmers to closely monitor the health of their birds and act quickly at the first signs of illness.
One of their key recommendations was the use of quarantine areas to isolate sick birds, helping to stop the spread of disease to the rest of the flock.
They also highlighted the need for well-designed infrastructure that prevents wild birds or pests from entering and contaminating the coop. In addition, they emphasised that regular cleaning and proper sanitation are essential for maintaining a healthy farming environment.
Why time management matters
Owen Segano, a dedicated egg farmer, shared his inspiring journey of leaving full-time employment in 2020 to follow his passion for poultry farming. Despite facing several obstacles along the way, Segano remained committed to growing his business.
In his talk, he highlighted the critical role of time management in farming success. He advised farmers to stay disciplined with daily tasks – especially feeding routines – to ensure consistent and healthy production.
Segano also stressed the importance of proper nutrition, explaining how a balanced diet directly impacts the health and productivity of poultry.
His key message to fellow farmers was clear: perseverance and dedication are essential. He encouraged them to stay committed to their goals, even when the road gets tough.
Motumi says she has several key events planned to empower and support local farmers and communities.
Next up, on 25 August 2025, another workshop will take place in Laxie Village. Then, a fundraising and awareness day is scheduled for 30 October 2025. And finally, the year will conclude on a high note with the Second Annual Show on 28 November 2025. Contact Paballo Motumi on 083 728 5092 for more information.
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