From the humble Angora goat – born, bred and shed in the Eastern Cape of South Africa – the unique characteristics of mohair make it irresistible.

In order for mohair to be successfully dyed, it needs a few critical components to change the flavour of the fibre – from old to new, from raw to colour and from one thing to another.

As I drive into Roelfie van der Merwe’s farm, I am struck by the neatness and order which dominates his landscape.

Textile Exchange will be hosting their annual Sustainability Conference from the 2nd to the 6th of November 2020.

Mohair South Africa, the industry body for mohair in South Africa, has increased its commitment to sustainable mohair by partnering with scientific traceability company, Oritain.

Mohair South Africa (MSA) is working closely with Textile Exchange in the development of the new, internationally recognised Responsible Mohair Standard (RMS).

South Africa’s fashion designers, who contributed at least R1 billion to GDP last year, could play an important role in helping to rejuvenate manufacturing.

Mohair South Africa (MSA) is working closely with Textile Exchange in the development of the new, internationally recognised Responsible Mohair Standard (RMS).

South Africa is the global leader in mohair production – and Mohair SA have pursued the development of RMS (Responsible Mohair Standards) to drive a sustainable and ethical mohair industry.

The South Africa Mohair Cluster has the privilege of attending the AW/20 South African Fashion Week Showcase, which was home to a number of innovative designers who had incorporated mohair within their collections.

We partnered with Cape Wools to collaborate on the next edition of the SA Fashion Week, presenting the Cape Wools and Mohair SA Designer Challenge!

In their October/November 2019 issue, yarn, fibre and fabric magazine Twist spoke to Lindsay Humphreys, our General Manager, to find out more.

The Mohair industry has seen a decade of development in two short years – or two very long years, depending on how you choose to see it.

Soft, lush, warm and timeless; it’s hard to imagine mohair as anything other than pure luxury. Furthermore the story behind the production of this sought-after fibre is just as beautiful.

We recently hosted the 5th annual Chinese Mohair Design Competition in Shanghai. 5 universities chose their top 10 applicants, with 50 students showcasing their designs in the final show.

MSA has been working closely with the SAMC over the course of the last year, and it’s important to share our renewed commitment to collaborating with the SAMC in the upliftment of the Mohair Sector of South Africa for the Cluster’s Years 3 to 5 (Phase 2: April 2019 – March 2022).

Mohair South Africa is proud to be working with Textile Exchange in developing an international mohair standard. Whilst the industry has been governed by its own Sustainable Guidelines since 2009, the importance of an international standard made this evolution inevitable.

We are delighted to announce the appointment of Lindsay Humphreys to the position of General Manager of Mohair South Africa. We look forward to seeing great things from Lindsay and are excited by the new avenues of possibility.

In addition to our continuously-evolving guidelines laid down to ensure a thriving and profitable South African mohair industry, we work closely with the Mohair Empowerment Trust to assist emerging farmers in developing successful and sustainable Angora goat farming initiatives.