Delta Beverages manager in corruption storm as black farmers cry foul
By Staff Reporter
HARARE – Concerns are mounting among sections of Harare’s cattle farming community over allegations of unfair distribution of brewers’ spent grain from Delta Corporation Ltd’s Willowvale plant, with small-scale black farmers claiming they are being sidelined while one commercial farmer allegedly enjoys uninterrupted access.
Brewers’ spent grain, a nutritious by-product of beer production, has long been a vital source of stock feed for many farmers.
However, farmers from areas such as Marirangwe, Goromonzi, and Norton say they have been struggling to access the feed in recent weeks.
“We were told land reform was about empowering us, but what is happening feels like a reversal of that progress,” said one farmer from Marirangwe.
“Our cattle are going hungry while others seem to be getting truckloads without interruption.”
Another Goromonzi farmer added: “Farmers like us depend on this feed to sustain our herds and livelihoods. If distribution is not fair, the whole sector suffers.”
The complaints centre on allegations that a senior Delta manager at the Willowvale plant, Victor Phiri, has been overseeing a system that allegedly gives preferential treatment to one farmer, identified as Ice Red Den.
Several sources within the company, speaking on condition of anonymity, alleged that the arrangement has effectively created a monopoly, leaving many small-scale farmers excluded.
An employee claimed the system lacked transparency.
“We want fairness in how allocations are handled. Right now, many feel shut out of the process.”
Farmers say such alleged practices could undermine government’s livestock growth targets and Vision 2030 agenda, which emphasises inclusive economic empowerment.
Efforts to reach Phiri were futile by the time this publication went to print.
Delta Corporation had also not yet responded to questions regarding the distribution system and the allegations levelled against its staff.
The farmers have since called for government intervention, urging the ministry of agriculture and other relevant authorities to investigate and ensure equitable access to brewers’ waste.
“This is not about race; it’s about fairness.
“We simply want a system where all farmers have an equal chance to benefit,” said one farmer from Norton.
