Dream

A Karoo
game meat renaissance

Located in Graaff-Reinet, a town in the Karoo, we at Montego Pet Nutrition aim to become instrumental in revitalising the Karoo’s game meat industry following the export bans.

By producing Karoo Wild antelope-based pet treats, we effectively utilise the region’s game meat, providing a new market for local farmers. Our ambition is to pioneer the revitalisation of the game meat industry and redefine it for the future.

Karoo Wild isn’t merely a product; it is a philosophy, entwining respect for nature with a commitment to delivering unrivalled quality to our customers and their pets. With practices designed to minimise environmental impact, support local communities and promote ethical sourcing, Karoo Wild represents harmony between the culinary and the conscious.

To achieve our dream, we have partnered with the following organisations:

Game SA is a key player in the game meat industry but is rooted in deep traditions. The organisation united companies across the supply chain, from sourcing to packing game meat and exporting the products for local and international markets.

This industry began its export journey in 1979. It exported first to Europe and later globally. It operates under the strict oversight of the National Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Developments (DALRRD), which enforces compliance with domestic and international regulations through the Meat Safety Act of 2000 and Veterinary Procedural Notices (VPN).

A cornerstone of the industry is its commitment to environmental sustainability, ethical harvesting practices, and effective wildlife management, as outlined in the Code of Practice for the Humane Harvesting of Wild Game. This code, which aligns with VPNs, mandates humane harvesting techniques, promotes education, supports legislative adherence to minimise the carbon footprint and guarantees the sector’s sustainability.

Professional harvesting teams, certified by DALRRD and holding permits from the Department of Environmental Affairs, ensure these principles guide wildlife processing with approved methods. Companies like Montego Pet Nutrition and brands like Karoo Wild exemplify the industry’s dedication to ethical practices by supporting GameSA’s efforts towards sustainable wildlife management and conservation in the Karoo region.

For more information visit www.gamesa.co.za

The Professional Culling Operators Association of South Africa (PCOASA) is dedicated to ethical culling and harvesting in line with Section 24 of the South African Constitution’s Bill of Rights, which aims to protect the environment for present and future generations.

The association focuses on transforming and expanding South Africa’s wildlife industry, with objectives that include recognising skilled culling as a legitimate profession, advocating for natural resource conservation, and promoting sustainable culling methods. PCOASA also seeks to empower South Africans in the culling field, collaborate with government and conservation authorities, and position South Africa as a prime game meat supplier, thereby enhancing food security.

Adherence to the strict PCOASA code of conduct is vital to foster unity among members and ensure food safety. The association protects against unethical practices and corrects misconceptions that could harm the industry’s reputation.

Through their support, Montego and Karoo Wild align with PCOASA’s mission to reinforce ethical, sustainable and responsible wildlife industry and culling practices in South Africa. This partnership shares a commitment to ecological conservation, responsible resource management and the health of the wildlife sector.

For more information visit www.pcoasa.co.za

The Mountain Zebra Camdeboo Protected Environment (MZCPE) spans the Eastern, Western and Northern Cape. It plays a crucial role in conserving biodiversity, protecting ecosystems, and maintaining the region’s scenic beauty. Central to its strategy is a focus on diverse habitats, species, and ecosystems, with an innovative approach to involving landowners—who are traditionally passionate about specific species—in broader conservation projects, thus promoting a unified effort in environmental stewardship.

Addressing both ecological and human aspects, the MZCPE’s emphasis is on the socio-economic development of local communities. The aim is not to only create new jobs but to uplift and empower farm communities. This approach recognises how agriculture plays a vital role in the upliftment of Karoo towns and integrates conservation with efforts to advance socio-economic structures.

To manage its extensive terrain and stakeholder network effectively, the MZCPE employs the Management Plan Tool (MPT). MPT is a dynamic system that enables landowners to input specific data, prioritise actions and track progress. This collaborative effort cumulates in a collective progress report of all the annual reviews.

Partnerships with SANParks enhance the initiative. SANParks provides overarching support and connects landowners with conservation and agricultural bodies. The success of these collaborations, notably during the GEF-5 PA Project, demonstrates the commitment of all the parties involved in the innovative conservation efforts of the wool and mohair industries. The relationships signify the project’s collective achievement and the promising future of conservation in the Karoo. It is a vision strongly supported by Montego Pet Nutrition as part of their commitment to ecological projects in the region.

For more information visit www.mzcpe.co.za