South Africa’s parliament is taking action after the disturbing incident involving thousands of starving chickens resorting to cannibalism at a poultry farm owned by the state pension fund manager. The case has sparked outrage in the country and raised concerns about misgovernance and lack of oversight in taxpayer-funded companies.
Daybreak Farms, located in Mpumalanga, faced financial difficulties leading to the starvation of 350,000 birds and the intervention of an animal welfare organization to euthanize the suffering animals. The shocking scene of cannibalized chickens with visible internal injuries has prompted calls for accountability and justice.
In 2015, the Public Investment Corporation (PIC) supported the purchase of Daybreak Farms by a consortium, but the company continued to struggle financially and faced allegations of poor governance. Despite efforts to stabilize the business, the losses persisted, culminating in the recent crisis.
The National Council of Societies for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has taken legal action against Daybreak’s management under the Animal Protection Act, highlighting the severity of the situation. The PIC will be summoned to parliament to address concerns about its investment decisions and oversight of companies like Daybreak Farms.
Workers at the farm, who have not been paid since March, held demonstrations that turned violent, reflecting the dire circumstances faced by employees. The PIC expressed deep concern over the reports and reiterated its commitment to supporting Daybreak during this challenging period.
Daybreak Farms acknowledged the issues with animal welfare and revealed plans to explore bankruptcy protection to address its financial constraints. The company has requested additional funding from the PIC but is awaiting a response.
This incident has raised questions about the effectiveness of Black Economic Empowerment policies in promoting economic equality and empowering marginalized communities. Critics argue that politically-connected individuals have benefited from transactions like the one involving Daybreak Farms, undermining the intended goals of affirmative action.
As investigations and discussions continue, the focus remains on accountability, governance, and the welfare of both the animals and employees affected by the crisis at Daybreak Farms.
