The Mohair Story
Who we are
Mohair South Africa has long been a cornerstone of the South African mohair industry.
Founded to advocate for mohair farmers, maintain high quality standards, and promote the industry locally and internationally, MSA unites a vibrant and passionate network of stakeholders across the farm-to-fashion supply chain. Our unwavering commitment to sustainable farming practices, research and development, and education and training for farmers positions us as a key player in the global mohair market
Our history
The founding of the mohair industry in South Africa was a stroke of good fortune after the Sultan of Turkey gifted 12 infertile Angora rams and one ewe to South Africa in 1838. Unbeknown to the Sultan, the ewe was pregnant and gave birth to a ram kid en route, establishing the Angora goat breeding stock in South Africa. These beautiful and gentle animals found their way to the Karoo region of South Africa in the Eastern Cape, which has become home to the Angora goat.
Mohair, known worldwide as the noble fibre, is sought after for its exclusive qualities such as lustre, resilience and colour retention, which have been the key to its success. The South African mohair industry has grown into the global leader, producing the world’s best quality mohair.
Alliances
Mohair South Africa seeks to advance the mohair industry through international partnerships and alliances to enhance the production and consumption of mohair products. Our aim is to create sustainable demand and profitability for all role players from producer to processor, and from buyer to manufacturer.
The future of Mohair
We believe that shared knowledge, a vigorous commitment to continuous improvement, progressive attitudes and financial discipline are critical ingredients for the future success of the South African mohair industry. For this reason, we invest extensively in research dealing with all aspects of mohair production, with the aim to continually improve on quality, volume and sustainability.
Our roles
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Global support
Engage with key retail brands and other prominent players in the global textile and fashion industry. Attend international trade shows and exhibitions in order to promote mohair fibre.
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Education
We lend our support to the fashion industry, especially student designers, to promote awareness of mohair and encourage new and innovative use of mohair in fashion and textile design.
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Value chain
We work closely with all players in the industry, from processors to designers and manufacturers.
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Research and development
We sponsor extensive research into mohair production and the properties of mohair fibre. With the knowledge we gain, we are able to offer improved processes to ensure higher quality and increased volume production.
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Empowerment Trust
We assist emerging farmers through our Empowerment Trust, identifying and partnering with suitable candidates with the potential to successfully manage mohair farming operations.
Our Partners
The Mohair Empowerment Trust
The MET seeks to support emerging black South African mohair farmers. Mohair South Africa works with this organisation to partner with farmers who meet the criteria and help to establish them within the South African mohair industry.
Sustainable and Ethical mohair standard
As part of this continual evolution South Africa takes pride in being the world leader in mohair production and shows its commitment to the mohair industry through the development of a sustainable and ethical mohair standard. Mohair South Africa partnered with Textile Exchange, a global non-profit organisation that specialises in intricately developing standards based on best practices, animal and social welfare.
On the 17th March 2020, the Responsible Mohair Standard (RMS) was officially launched, opening up a world of opportunity for the future of the mohair industry. Producing mohair ethically and sustainably is a non-negotiable for the South African mohair industry, and the roll-out of the RMS remains a top priority.
