Heavy rains in the Eastern Cape could not dampen the spirits of the Ngonyama Village community, who turned out in large numbers for the official opening of a R1.4 million shearing shed aimed at boosting wool production and improving the livelihoods of local farmers.
The fully equipped facility was officially opened by Eastern Cape Agriculture MEC Nonceba Kontsiwe, alongside Mbhashe Local Municipality Executive Mayor Dr Samkelo Janda.
The Department of Agriculture invested more than R1.4 million in the construction of the facility, which includes a plunge dipping tank, ablution facilities, an office, removable animal-handling equipment, and fencing.
The Masibambisane Woolgrowers Association, which was formed in 2017 and has 48 members, comprising 23 women and 25 men, also received 10 Dohne Merino rams from the department to improve the quality of its flock and wool clip.
During the last shearing season, the farmers sheared 3 409 sheep and produced 19 bales of wool, which were sold to CMW in Gqeberha for R98 342.
Before the department's investment, farmers had to travel more than 15 kilometres to a shearing shed in Xeni location in another ward.
The Department of Agriculture and Mbhashe Local Municipality are also supporting the facility with vaccination programmes aimed at preventing livestock diseases.
Masibambisane Woolgrowers Association Chairperson, Mtutuzeli Vayisi, said the new facility will significantly improve the conditions under which farmers operate and create opportunities to increase both the quantity and quality of their wool.
“We are very happy that the government has provided us with a shed. Over the past nine to 10 years, we were using our houses to shear sheep. We are hopeful that using this shed will increase the quality and quantity of wool.
“We are also happy that the youth and women are showing interest in wool production because, as an elderly man, I want to pass the baton to younger people to continue,” Vayisi said.
Vayisi added that the Dohne Merino rams provided by the department in 2022 have improved the quality of their flock.
“The rams have changed the quality of our flock, and we are now producing good quality wool,” he said.
Kontsiwe encouraged farmers to use the new infrastructure to increase production and work towards becoming commercially sustainable.
“Farmers should grow and be able to export their own wool for even better returns instead of only supplying other people. This structure should encourage you to roll up your sleeves and work for the development of the community and participate in the economic growth of the province.”
The MEC also urged community members to work with the police to combat stock theft and to report suspicious activities.
Janda called on the community to protect the government-funded infrastructure and ensure that it remains dedicated to its intended purpose.
“The community should not convert the sheds into churches and crèches. You should use them for what they are intended for,” Jada said. – SAnews.gov.za
