Mohair South Africa is a non-profit organisation representing the mohair industry from farm worker to processors (top makers). Mohair SA’s main role is to market the fibre, do research and form collaborations which could advance the fibre both locally and internationally by stimulating demand. Mohair SA has recently re- structured to position itself in order to maximize the opportunities that are offered to the industry both locally and internationally.
South Africa is the leading mohair producer in the world, by quite some distance, producing around 50% of the finest mohair available internationally.
The fleece of the Angora goat, mohair, dates back thousands of years to the Tibetan Himalayas, from where the Angora goat originated. The origin of the mohair industry in South Africa was a stroke of good fortune. The first Angora goats arrived in South Africa in 1838, as a result of a commercial transaction between a Turkish Sultan and a South African breeder, who was eager to establish the breed in South Africa.
Production has dropped internationally because Angora goat farming is very labour intensive, mohair is price sensitive (due to factors such as fashion trends etc.), while vermin cause huge losses and once traditional Angora goat farmland is being converted to game ranching.
Angora goats thrive in the Karoo region with its combination of hot, dry summers, cold winters and semi-desert vegetation. The environment, dedicated stockmen, efficient industry structures and progressive processors have led to South Africa emerging over the years as the leader in the global mohair industry.
In addition to this, mohair is a renewable, natural resource, providing a sustainable production chain between animal and human being, while contributing to the long-term prosperity of the Karoo region.
Versatile by nature, mohair is coveted by the world’s fashion industry, as well as by interior designers, craft specialists, industrial fibre specialists and the tourism sector. Mohair manufacturers maximise the fibre’s unrivalled natural beauty, capitalising on its rare, natural qualities, which include:
The transfer of skills is a high priority for the mohair industry and Mohair SA is involved in training at various levels, including at high school level and at tertiary institutions. Skills transfer projects in co-operation with the office of the premier of the Eastern Cape are currently underway to transfer skills for the utilisation in the mohair industry, focusing on shearing and classing.
Emerging producers are being trained for a three year period to become successful commercial Angora goat producers. There are currently two training goat farms in operation, one in the Klipplaat area (Eastern Cape) and the other in the Prince Albert region (Western Cape). There is now a third another one that is in the process of being established.
There are numerous investment opportunities that exist within the mohair industry namely:
Agriculture: for those who wish to farm, Angora Goats are a viable option as they are shorn twice a year and hence deliver an income twice a year. This farming has proven to be one of the most profitable enterprises.
The skills shortage for shearers and farm labourers is growing by the year so there are opportunities at ground level to create job opportunities.
Empowerment Trust: Opportunity exists for investment in the Empowerment Trust of the mohair industry, which aims to facilitate black economic empowerment within the mohair industry - farming, buying, brokering, processing and manufacturing etc.
Tourism: The Mohair Meander was launched at the Mohair Summit in November 2009. This is a very positive move for the agri-tourism sector, especially in the rural areas. Opportunities exist for the mohair producers and existing manufactures to expose their products and sites to the tourists interested.
Because mohair is a natural fibre, there are countless opportunities for SMME’s to get involved in the manufacturing of mohair products for the craft industry. Internationally there is a huge shift back to natural fibre products.
Industrial uses: Mohair has many qualities which can be utilised in the industrial field. Its insulation qualities make it a winner for temperature control and noise reduction, amongst other things.
Mohair is one of the most durable natural fibres with a rub count that exceeds 1 million rubs. This is especially important in areas where there is a high volume of traffic and abrasion.
It has wonderful absorbency and works wonderfully, for example as a diabetic sock, and this opens opportunities in the medical world
For more information on the South African Mohair industry, contact:
Jackie Gant (marketing@mohair.co.za)
or
Deon Saayman (info@mohair.co.za)
Tel: 041-487 1386
