R1.4 Million Shearing Shed Opens in Ngonyama Village to Boost Eastern Cape Wool Production

EASTERN CAPE – A new R1.4 million shearing shed has officially opened in Ngonyama Village, Eastern Cape, marking a significant infrastructure investment aimed at boosting local wool production and improving the livelihoods of regional farmers.

The fully equipped facility was officially opened by Eastern Cape Agriculture MEC Nonceba Kontsiwe, alongside Mbhashe Local Municipality Executive Mayor Dr Samkelo Janda. Funded by the Department of Agriculture, the site features a plunge dipping tank, ablution facilities, an office, removable animal-handling equipment, and secure fencing.

Prior to this investment, local farmers were required to travel more than 15 kilometres to access a shearing shed in the Xeni location. The new facility directly supports the Masibambisane Woolgrowers Association, which was established in 2017 and currently comprises 48 members, including 23 women and 25 men.

During the previous shearing season, local farmers sheared 3,409 sheep, yielding 19 bales of wool that were sold to CMW in Gqeberha for R98,342. To further enhance flock and wool clip quality, the department also provided the association with 10 Dohne Merino rams. Additionally, the Department of Agriculture and the Mbhashe Local Municipality are supporting the facility with ongoing vaccination programmes designed to prevent livestock diseases.

Masibambisane Woolgrowers Association Chairperson Mtutuzeli Vayisi stated that the new infrastructure will substantially improve operational conditions and create opportunities to increase both the quantity and quality of wool. He noted that for the past nine to ten years, members were forced to shear sheep in their private homes. Vayisi also highlighted the positive impact of the Dohne Merino rams provided in 2022 and expressed encouragement over the growing interest in wool production among youth and women, emphasizing his desire to pass the baton to the next generation of farmers.

Addressing the community, MEC Nonceba Kontsiwe encouraged farmers to leverage the new infrastructure to scale production and achieve commercial sustainability. She advised farmers to aim for direct wool exports to secure better financial returns, rather than solely supplying intermediaries. Kontsiwe also urged community members to collaborate with law enforcement to combat stock theft and report any suspicious activities.

Mbhashe Local Municipality Executive Mayor Dr Samkelo Janda reinforced the need for community stewardship, calling on residents to protect the government-funded infrastructure. He explicitly warned against repurposing the facility, stating that the sheds must remain dedicated to their intended agricultural use and should not be converted into churches or crèches.