Karoo, South Africa — The Karoo region, a vast semi-arid expanse in South Africa’s southern reaches, has become a pivotal player in the global mohair trade. Home to angora goats with luxurious golden fleeces, this desert landscape is the source of more than half of the world’s mohair supply.
On the Wheatlands farm, Lloyd Short, a seventh — generation farmer, explains the value of mohair, which can fetch up to 900 rands ($53) per kilogramme. The Karoo’s contribution to the global mohair industry is significant, supporting around 30,000 jobs, many of them local.
In 2018, animal welfare concerns led to a shake-up in the industry, with major brands like H&M and Gap discontinuing mohair. However, the introduction of independently audited animal welfare certification helped restore confidence and ensure ethical practices.
The Karoo’s unique ecosystem, with its rich flora, is perfectly suited for angora goats, which thrive here. The mohair trade is further bolstered by local processing firms like Samil and Stucken, which handle fibres from around the world. As the Karoo continues to be a vital hub for mohair, its role in the global textile industry and its impact on local communities is undeniable.
Source: Africanews
