About us
WHY CHOOSE US?
Credibility and representation
The NWGA enjoys well-established credibility with national, provincial, and local government structures, organised agriculture, and international producer organisations in leading wool-producing countries such as Australia and New Zealand. It is also deeply integrated into local agricultural structures through its affiliation with Agri SA and other provincial agricultural unions. Through active participation in the International Wool Textile Organisation (IWTO), Cape Wools, and the Wool Trust, the NWGA ensures that South African wool producers are represented at every level – from local policy to global markets.
Development and Training
As an accredited training provider with AgriSETA, the NWGA offers industry-specific training in wool sheep production to both commercial and emerging farmers and their workers. Its commitment to rural development is evident in its highly successful training and development programmes, which have enabled communal farmers to increase their annual income from wool. This transformation has significantly improved the livelihoods of rural communities across South Africa.
Effective partnerships
The NWGA cultivates strategic development partnerships with government entities and key stakeholders across the agricultural sector. These collaborative efforts enable the NWGA to lead targeted initiatives that proactively address both challenges and growth opportunities within the industry. Through these partnerships, the NWGA has, and continues to deliver measurable and sustainable impact. Current collaborations include engagements with, amongst others, higher education institutions, provincial government bodies, academic organisations, and other sector-relevant stakeholders.
SA wool industry statistics
- There are approximately 13,5 million wool sheep in South Africa, of which 2 million are owned by communal farmers.
- South African producers produce approximately 40 million kg of wool per annum, of which more than 90% is exported. The most important export destinations are China, Czech Republic, Italy, Egypt, and Bulgaria.
- South Africa contributes approximately 2 to 3% to global wool production, and about 12% of the world’s apparel wool.
- The annual value of South Africa’s wool clip is estimated at approximately R4,5 billion.
- There are approximately 8 000 commercial and 45 000 individual communal wool producers in South Africa.
- 35 000 farm workers, and 4 000 sheep shearers and wool handlers are employed in the South African wool industry.
OUR MISSION
Our mission is to promote profitable and sustainable wool sheep production and is supported by the following objectives:
The promotion of an improved policy – and legislative environment.
The creation of an effective production environment.
The accomplishment of an improved market environment.
The ongoing development of an empowered institutional environment supporting the wool industry.
