One man who knows not to count his chickens before they hatch is North-West University (NWU) alumnus Dr Abongile Balarane, the newly appointed chief executive and general manager of the South African Poultry Association’s Egg Organisation.

According to the association’s 2019 industry profile, the poultry industry is the largest single contributor to the agricultural sector in South Africa. In 2019, some 20% of the total agricultural gross value and 41% of animal product gross value stemmed from poultry production.

The industry provides direct and indirect employment to more than 110 000 people, is the second-largest consumer of maize and supports many peripheral businesses (including the feed industry) and those downstream in the value chain.

With this appointment, Dr Balarane will not only oversee the day-to-day running of the Egg Organisation – which operates as an independent subsidiary of the South African Poultry Association – but will also streamline its efforts to improve the egg industry and promote it at a national level.

His other responsibilities will be to critically evaluate the way control structures work, achieve a higher level of operational input, strive to build the egg industry’s image, and liaise with government and consumer bodies on crucial matters.

This is where it started

This Port Elizabeth-born industry executive credits his success to his humble upbringing and character traits such as patience, perseverance and dedication.

Currently enrolled for an MBA qualification with the Herriot Watt University of Edinburgh in Scotland, Dr Balarane also holds a national diploma in animal science, further qualifications in agricultural economics and a PhD in the same field, all from the NWU.

“It is rare to find a leader of my age in this space,” says the 34-year old, explaining that the South African Poultry Association was established in 1904 and is now in a transformation phase.

“I am privileged to have been chosen to serve this organisation for the betterment and the benefit of the South African egg-producing farmers. This is also a great opportunity to assist in resolving some of the key strategic issues that are necessary for the general growth of this sector.”

Just think, the next time you pop into your local supermarket for some eggs for your favourite dish, you will be interacting with the EGGcellent efforts of one of the youngest chief executives the NWU has ever produced.

Dr Abongile Balarane