SA chicken producers say they can fill the gap as bird flu halts Brazil imports

Loading player...
South African poultry producers are confident that the country will avoid chicken shortages following a government ban on imports from Brazil due to a recent outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1), also known as bird flu. The outbreak, confirmed by Brazil’s ministry of agriculture and livestock a week ago in the Rio Grande do Sul state, has led South Africa to suspend the import of live poultry, eggs, and fresh (including frozen) poultry meat from Brazil. South Africa’s department of agriculture confirmed that no new import permits would be issued. Phemelo speaks to Director of Animal Health at the Department of Agriculture Land Reform and Rural Development, Dr Mpho Maja.
26 May 2025 4PM English South Africa Education · Careers

Other recent episodes

Medium-Term Budget: What it means for workers and households

Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana has announced temporary fuel levy relief, increased funding for municipalities and social services, and additional resources to fight crime in the 2026 Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement. However, South Africa’s growth forecast has been cut to 1.2% for 2026, despite progress in stabilising government debt. Phemelo speaks…
21 Oct 2PM 17 min

Rand Water warns of looming water crisis as demand hits record levels

Rand Water is warning of possible water supply disruptions as municipalities, including Johannesburg and Tshwane, continue to exceed their allocations. The bulk supplier says it is pumping at maximum capacity, but rising consumption is putting increasing pressure on the system, making it harder to balance supply across the network. Phemelo…
21 Oct 2PM 17 min

Maile vows tighter teacher checks after Soweto sexual assault allegations

Gauteng Education MEC Lebogang Maile says the department will strengthen background checks on teachers following allegations that a teacher sexually assaulted a Grade 4 pupil at Busisiwe Primary School in Soweto. The accused teacher has been placed on precautionary suspension while disciplinary proceedings continue. Maile is calling for stronger safeguards,…
21 Oct 2PM 17 min

Mbeki denies secret deal to shield apartheid-era generals

Former president Thabo Mbeki has dismissed as a “complete fabrication” allegations that he held secret meetings with former apartheid-era military and police generals to prevent their prosecution for crimes committed under apartheid. Testifying before the TRC Cases Inquiry, Mbeki denied that such meetings took place as the inquiry investigates alleged…
20 Oct 3PM 23 min

Sibiya denied bail over witness intimidation and evidence concerns

Former deputy national police commissioner Shadrack Sibiya will remain in custody after a Randburg magistrate denied him bail, citing concerns about possible witness intimidation and the destruction of evidence. The court found that he had failed to demonstrate exceptional circumstances justifying his release. Sibiya denies the charges against him and…
20 Oct 3PM 6 min