Huku Poultry Farm: Building a Leading Egg Production Enterprise in Steenbok

Bongi Angel Mbatha and Jimmy Bhila have transformed a modest 6-hectare communal property in Steenbok, Nkomazi, into one of the region’s most successful egg production operations. As the sole director of Huku Poultry Farm, Mbatha brings 17 years of business management experience, while Bhila contributes extensive operational expertise. Together, they form a complementary team that has navigated challenges, capitalised on opportunities, and built a diversified and profitable agricultural enterprise.

The couple began their farming journey in 2019, initially focusing on broiler production. By 2020, they identified a saturated broiler market and pivoted strategically to layer chicken production. Introducing day-old Hy-Line brown and white chicks, they quickly established a reliable egg supply, securing a supplier agreement with a local wholesaler. The Huku brand expanded into the feed market as Huku Animal Feeds, supplying layer feed to local farmers and reducing input costs for their own operations.

Today, Huku Poultry Farm houses around 18 000 layer chickens, producing approximately 12 000 eggs daily, with capacity to increase as younger birds mature. The farm uses a 24 000-capacity chicken cage system, sourced second-hand, which allows for phased growth. Beyond eggs, the farm operates a diversified agricultural portfolio, including pigs, continued broiler production, maize cultivation, and small-scale vegetable farming. Maize cultivation supports feed production, reducing costs and increasing sustainability, while vegetables add value to the farm’s operations.

Huku Poultry Farm has overcome significant infrastructure challenges, operating without grid electricity and relying on generators and solar power. Water scarcity limits vegetable production, yet the couple has fully self-funded all expansions, including the transition to layer chickens and acquisition of the cage system. Their resilience and strategic reinvestment of profits demonstrate effective business management and sustainable growth.

The farm also delivers tangible community benefits. It employs seven full-time staff members and involves the Bhila family in daily operations, ensuring skills and knowledge are passed to the next generation. Huku Poultry Farm contributes to local food security as a major supplier of eggs in Steenbok. In addition, the couple supports aspiring farmers by selling layer hens and cages, fostering enterprise development within the community.

Looking forward, Mbatha and Bhila plan to expand their egg production capacity with an additional 30 000 layers, potentially increasing output by 62 percent. Investment in state-of-the-art henhouse equipment, combined with government support for feed and infrastructure, could accelerate growth. They also aim to establish a feed-manufacturing unit in Naas, which will reduce input costs and strengthen both feed and egg market sectors.

Huku Poultry Farm exemplifies strategic adaptation, diversified production, and community-focused agriculture. Through careful planning, hands-on management, and a commitment to sustainability, Mbatha and Bhila have built a model operation that continues to grow and inspire other emerging farmers in Mpumalanga and beyond.