The Karas Abattoir and Tannery (KAT) is to cut between 100 and 150 jobs. The move comes as part of a restructuring plan necessitated by the planned closure of its ostrich slaughtering plant 20km south of Keetman-shoop. Goats and sheep are also slaughtered at the abattoir.
In an attempt to rescue the sinking ostrich industry in the South, the government, through Agribank, pumped in millions of dollars to keep the industry afloat. However, Agribank last year exited the sector, saying that the ostrich industry was not as viable as had been anticipated. The company’s report said while prices of ostrich meat remained under pressure, the cost incurred to raise the birds until slaughter stage were exorbitant.
New projects to create jobs are being considered.
