Despite a recent R74 million bailout from the Public Investment Corporation (PIC), Daybreak Poultry Farms remains embroiled in a deepening crisis that spans financial mismanagement, ethical failures, and widespread animal suffering.
The funding, intended as an emergency measure to stabilise feed supplies and cover overdue staff salaries, has proven insufficient. A recent ruling by the Gauteng High Court underscores that this financial boost does not absolve Daybreak of its legal and moral responsibilities, particularly regarding the welfare of the animals in its care.
A Crisis of Care and Accountability
The National Council of SPCAs (NSPCA), which first uncovered the scale of the problem after a whistleblower alert, describes the situation at Daybreak as a “catastrophic welfare emergency.” According to the organisation, over 594,000 breeder birds were at risk due to underfeeding, neglect, and inhumane culling practices. Shockingly, more than 350,000 broiler birds had already been culled under cruel conditions.
“Without the whistleblower, the suffering of these animals would have remained hidden,” said the NSPCA in a statement, highlighting how Daybreak failed to report the worsening conditions.
Senior inspector Nazareth Appalsamy added, “This crisis represents a collapse of basic ethical standards in commercial farming.”
Court Intervention and Mandates
The High Court has now stepped in with a firm order demanding immediate changes. Daybreak must:
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Cease inhumane culling practices;
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Provide species-appropriate feed for all birds;
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Suspend breeding and chick placements until nutritional needs are met;
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Submit a humane recovery plan within five working days;
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Grant the NSPCA unrestricted access to all sites;
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Pay the legal costs incurred by both the NSPCA and the PIC.
An NSPCA investigation over 12 days revealed disturbing practices, including untrained workers carrying out illegal and ineffective killing methods on breeder birds.
Financial Mismanagement and Business Rescue
While animal welfare issues dominate headlines, financial instability lies at the heart of Daybreak’s decline. On May 20, the company entered voluntary business rescue, supported by the PIC, which owns Daybreak on behalf of the Government Employees’ Pension Fund, the Unemployment Insurance Fund, and the Compensation Fund. Tebogo Maoto has been appointed as the business rescue practitioner to steer the recovery.
Dr. Charlotte Nkuna, interim chairperson of Daybreak’s board, expressed cautious optimism, pointing to collaborative efforts with the PIC to stabilise operations and protect the livelihoods of approximately 2,800 employees.
However, controversy continues to swirl. The Democratic Alliance (DA) alleges that two Daybreak directors received substantial payments during the company’s financial collapse—while workers remained unpaid. The DA has called for an urgent parliamentary hearing to investigate these claims.
Industry Response and Future Outlook
Despite reduced output from Daybreak, South Africa’s poultry supply remains stable, according to Izaak Breitenbach, general manager of the Broiler Organisation at the South African Poultry Association. He noted that other producers have increased production to meet demand.
Meanwhile, the NSPCA remains on-site, monitoring compliance with the court’s directives. Although interventions are underway, the fate of the remaining birds—and Daybreak itself—hangs in the balance.
