The Stock Theft Prevention Pilot Project began with three well-attended workshops. These events, facilitated by RMIS Livestock Technical Advisors, Ernest Makua and KhomotsoMashiloane, are held in collaboration with the Red Meat Producers Organisation (RPO), National Stock Theft Prevention Forum (NSTPF), the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD), and the Limpopo Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (LDARD).

• 24 July 2024, hosted at the Ephrain Mogale Local Municipality Hall, Marble Hall with 163 participants and facilitated by Ernest Makua.

• 07 August 2024 hosted at the Sephaku Community Hall, Groblersdal with 132 participants and facilitated by Khomotso Mashiloane.

• 15 August 2024 hosted at the Morwangoato Tribal Office, Ga-Marishane Village with 167 participants and facilitated by Ernest Makua.

Workshop participants were keen to share their experiences and actively engaged in discussions, revealing the following issues:

1. The noticeable communication gap between farmers and law enforcement, often leading to delays in responding to theft incidents.

2. The need for better training and resources for both farmers and police to strengthen prevention and response efforts. 

3. Building trust and involving the community in stock theft prevention.

4. The lack of proper livestock identification, particularly the tattooing and brand marking of cattle among communal and emerging farmers. (RMIS has initiated a cattle identification campaign in Marble Hall and Groblersdal, tagging over 1,400 cattle with unique RMIS numbers and bar codes, with many of the cattle also being branded. This has significantly improved traceability in these regions, with plans to expand the campaign to other areas soon.)

5. Participants also suggested involving the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) in future discussions to clarify the legal process in livestock theft cases. 

6. The need for better reporting mechanisms and more effective tracking and follow-up on reported thefts, emphasising the need for greater transparency and efficiency.

If the pilot project proves successful, RMIS intends to roll out the programme nationwide across all provinces in 2025.