Lerato Matheka
In the rugged landscapes of Qacha’s Nek, a story of resilience, vision, and community triumph is unfolding—Maks Butchery stands as a testament to what can be achieved with determination and support.
This success is not just an isolated event but a shining example of the impactful work being done under the Smallholder Agriculture Development Project II (SADP II).
Lechesa Nthulanyane, an SADP officer based in Qacha’s Nek explained that Maks Butchery received funding under the SADP’s key component designed to empower agro-dealers by helping them grow and expand their businesses.
“This initiative adds significant value to the agricultural value chain, aiming to make these dealers more competitive, lucrative, and capable of job creation, as well as promoting nutrition and striving for a balance in gender and youth opportunities.
“Maks Butchery has exemplified these goals, marking its success as a community victory,” Nthulanyane said.
Area Chief, Thabo Mongali expressed the community’s pride, stating, “We are very proud of this development being launched today. This milestone is our achievement as a community, and I urge that we collectively work as a unity to ensure this is beneficial to us.”
The journey of Maks Butchery began humbly in 2019 when Nthabiseng Makeoane and her family decided to open a butchery in town.
“At the time, it sounded like a wild dream, but we worked collectively as a family, building one day at a time,” shared Makeoane, the director of Maks Farm.
They started with a small slicer machine, which posed a challenge in making the business profitable. However, the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 brought an unexpected opportunity for reflection and strategy.
In 2021, they resumed their operations with renewed vigour. Hearing about the funding opportunities from SADP II, they initially applied for a poultry project, never imagining that a butchery could be considered a viable agricultural investment.
Although their poultry proposal was unsuccessful, the persistence paid off when they applied with their butchery business, securing funding from SADP II.
With the funding estimated at M400,000, they purchased essential equipment like a larger slicer machine, a cold room, and display fridges. This expansion led to the opening of a second butchery within the community, directly responding to the needs of local residents who desired a butchery, especially during festive seasons.
Makeoane proudly shared that they purchase livestock exclusively from Qacha’s Nek communities, aligning with their vision of local consumption.
“We want to close the import influx of meat from Maseru and South Africa, and we know it is possible because we have a lot of livestock farmers in the district,” she emphasised.
The success of Maks Butchery is not only a business achievement but also a community upliftment.
Mofota Phatela, a local poultry farmer and beneficiary of SADP II, expressed his gratitude for the new market created for local farmers.
“Being part of this milestone is motivation to me and other farmers because Maks Farm surpassed our expectations. Led by a young female, this is truly remarkable and speaks volumes to what can happen if and when young people are given opportunities,” Phatela said.
Inspector Toeba Motsoane, addressing the security concerns of the venture, warned that the police would closely monitor to prevent the purchase of stolen animals, highlighting the severe issue of stock theft in the district. However, he noted that collaboration with the communities was helping control the problem.
Nyakallo Pokocho, the District Agriculture Officer, commended Maks Butchery’s vision of a self-sufficient Qacha’s Nek.
“If we can achieve that, we will see over M400,000 circulating within the district because as of last month, the district imported 17,156 kg of meat valued at M492,000 from South Africa,” Pokocho explained.
District Nutrition Officer Lebohang Nthake echoed these sentiments, underscoring the significance of SADP II’s support.
“This project is a milestone and epitomises the potential embedded within SADP II for every farmer that is intentional about growing and producing commercially,” Nthake said.
Maks Butchery is more than a business—it is a beacon of hope, a source of pride for the community, and a powerful example of what can be achieved with vision, hard work, and the right support. As the community rallies behind this venture, the future of Qacha’s Nek looks brighter, more self-sufficient, and prosperous.
The butchery’s success is not just measured by its financial achievements but by its commitment to the community.
