The South African game meat industry exhibits significant potential for growth, both domestically and internationally, due to the increasing demand for high-quality, ethically sourced, and sustainably produced protein. The industry has existed for around a century, with its first export to the EU occurring 45 years ago (1979), continuing until the export ban or restrictions in 2011 due to concerns over foot and mouth disease. To date, the industry faces challenges related to environmental and socio-economic sustainability that must be urgently addressed, along with ensuring proper meat handling, health, and safety standards to facilitate formalisation. 

South Africa aims to formalise and double the current production levels, from 4.6 billion rand (2020) to over 27 billion rand in the comprehensive game industry by 2036 (Game Meat Strategy South Africa, 2023; National Biodiversity Economy Strategy [NBES], 2024). However, “… the game meat industry performs predominantly in the informal market whilst only about 10% of game meat enters the retail market following the formal [compliance] related processes” (South African Game Meat Strategy, 2023). As the industry develops and becomes more formalised, it is necessary to establish specialised, adaptable, simplified, accessible yet robust protocols and services for game meat handling and processing. 

This paper examines the operational and regulatory issues related to the availability and accessibility of meat processing facilities, as well as compliance with safety and hygiene standards in South Africa. Policy recommendations are proposed to attract investments in streamlining and expanding access to processing and abattoir services for meat that is sourced legally, safely, and ethically.