Red meat in South Africa: Statutory charges under the magnifying glass

Since November 1, livestock producers have been paying more for statutory levies on all sheep, cattle, goat and pig slaughters as well as live animals that are exported. Many producers ask why they have to pay more. These statutory charges are mandatory and are determined according to Government Gazette no. 47300 as published on 14 October 2022. These levies are increased by around 5% every year, which hardly covers the rate of inflation. For the following year, the charges are calculated as follows: The charges were determined as follows, according to the Government Gazette: Table 1: Levy and adjustment In the case of pigs, the levy for the following year is R15,51 per head (excluding VAT). According to the Government Gazette, the charges were determined as follows: Table 2: Levy and adjustment for pigs What are statutory levies used for? When asked, Corine Steyn, company secretary and manager, liaison for the Red Meat Producers Organization (RPO), explained that statutory levies ...