Industry role-players,
partnerships, and affiliations

INDUSTRY ROLE-PLAYERS

Cape Wools SA

Cape Wools is a non-profit company established and owned by wool farmers and other directly affected industry groups registered with the Wool Forum, the official policy-making body of the industry.

The NWGA represents South African wool producers at the IWTO. It supports international wool-promotion projects, whilst promoting South African wool through, amongst others, interaction with local and international wool processors and buyers.

The NWGA is a member of the Livestock Welfare Coordinating Committee (LWCC), a national committee where livestock industries discuss issues related to livestock welfare with livestock welfare organisations. This committee issues livestock welfare statements regarding various husbandry and other relevant practices. It provides official support and advice regarding appropriate welfare guidelines, sustainable production standards, and codes of best practice. 

A forum where government, industry stakeholders, and other relevant parties collaborate to identify and address challenges and opportunities within the livestock value chain. 

South African Wool and Mohair Buyers Association (SAWAMBA) is a body formed to secure cooperation and coordinated action among all its members, and other wool and mohair industry bodies to ensure uniformity and orderly marketing in respect of buying and selling wool and mohair, and to preserve and improve the reputation of the fibres – both locally and internationally.

Tel: +27 41 484 5252

A forum where shared interests of wool brokers are discussed in a transparent manner. 

The company is involved in testing and research for purposes of the certification of wool according to the requirements laid down by the International Wool Textile Organisation (IWTO).

The NWGA is tasked with leading the livestock industry in terms of predation management. PMSA, chaired by the NWGA, is a multi-sectoral platform for liaison and coordination of activities of commodity organisations in the livestock and wildlife ranching sectors. The PMSA aims to address the problem of predation through reducing or minimising losses incurred by predation. 

Ecologically and ethically acceptable predation management methods are employed to protect South Africa’s biodiversity. Predation management training for farm workers, and wool and livestock producers, is facilitated by the NWGA. Training content is continually developed and updated by predation field experts. 

PMSA aims to provide guidelines and advice to producers to manage predation in the most humane and environmentally sustainable manner, i.e. guide producers to integrated management.

The NWGA is represented on the Stock Theft Forum, and as such, engages with other livestock organisations, organised agriculture, law enforcement agencies, and other relevant stakeholders to assist in addressing and managing this crucial problem in South African agriculture. 

The South African Sheep Shearing Federation is the only controlling body of shearing and wool handling sport in South Africa.

PARTNERSHIPS

Free State Department of Agriculture and Rural Development

By aligning with FSDARD’s vision of sustainable rural development, the NWGA are leveraging their expertise in agricultural science, innovation, and extension services to help small scale farmers scale into commercially viable enterprises.

KZNDARD and the NWGA have collaborated to support wool production in the Umzimkhulu region. This will provide for facilitation of growth and development for wool sheep growers in KwaZulu-Natal.

The mission of the Eastern Cape Department of Rural Development and Agrarian Reform is to promote, support, and coordinate rural development and agrarian reform interventions to reduce proverty and underdevelopment. This is done though job creation, integrated food security programmes, and equitable participation in development by all rural communities.

The Northern Cape Department of Agriculture, Environmental Affairs, Rural Development, and Land Reform champions land and agrarian transformation, promotes and facilitates increased production, and provides expertise for improved livelihoods, sustainable rural development, and food security for all.

The parties are committed to assisting each other in building the capacity of role-players in the wool producing industry in the Western Cape, farmers (smallholder and commercial), and agricultural advisors. 

The partnership with Zoetis comprises sponsorship of the Best Communal Wool Producing Community in the Eastern Cape and involvement in regional commercial events.

Providing training on basic principles for wool sheep production management.

On behalf of its members, the NWGA negotiated a substantial reduction in premium rates for livestock disaster coverage against livestock losses as the result of cold, fire, hail and lightning. NWGA members qualify for this benefit. 

For more than 50 years, Voermol Feeds has been enabling farmers to strategically feed their livestock in order to maximise their return on investment.

Initiative between the NWGA and Land Bank will deliver on Land Bank’s business objective of providing capacity and skills training to small-scale farmers and develop young communal farmers and shearers towards their sustainable agri business participation and long-term agricultural sector benefit.

Ethical Trade Norway is a resource center and an advocate for sustainable business conduct, also referred to as ethical trade. The mission of ETN is to promote sustainable business conduct so that international trade safeguards human and labour rights, society, and the environment.

Santam Agriculture has over 100 years of experience, countrywide infrastructure, and a deep understanding of the complexity of the agricultural industry. This allows them to make a real difference by offering a range of insurance solutions that adequately supports enhanced production and technology, and helps farmers and producers create a sustainable future.

AFFILIATIONS

Red Meat Producers' Organisation

Red Meat Producers’ Organisation represents all primary red meat producers in the red meat value chain who make a direct or indirect contribution towards the voluntary funding system of the RPO.

According to the NWGA Constitution, all Wool Breed Societies, who promote Merino-type wool production, are affiliated to the NWGA.

The Federation of Small Stock Breeders’ Society in South Africa represents various breeders’ societies focussed on small livestock, such as sheep and goats.

Lesotho produces significant quantities of wool and mohair, both of a quality that allows them to compete on the global market and to make a significant contribution to the economy of the country.

The South African Veterinary Association aims to serve its members and to further the status and image of the veterinarian. They are committed to upholding the highest professional and scientific standards, and utilising the professional knowledge, skill, and resources of our members, to foster close ties with the community and thus promote the health and welfare of animals.