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Excitement is building for the Karoo Winter Wool Festival (KWWF) 2026, as visitors from across South Africa get ready to gather in the Karoo for a celebration of wool, agriculture, creativity, heritage and community.
Taking place on 3 and 4 July 2026 in Middelburg, Eastern Cape, the KWWF continues to strengthen its position as one of South Africa’s leading wool industry events. The festival brings together producers, buyers, processors, manufacturers, designers, artisans and consumers to showcase the full wool journey – from farm to fashion.
This year’s programme promises a wide range of activities, including sheep competitions, agricultural exhibitions, wool and fibre workshops, artisan demonstrations, children’s entertainment, live music, market stalls, sporting events and valuable industry networking opportunities.
As anticipation builds, the festival has also announced two highlights from its valued partner, OVK.
OVK best single wool bale competition 2026 finalists announced
OVK has confirmed that judging for the prestigious OVK best single wool bale competition 2026 has been concluded. According to the organisers, the standard of entries was exceptionally high, resulting in a competitive judging process and highlighting the remarkable quality produced by South African wool growers. The finalists, listed in no particular order, are:
- Anker Karoo (Plaatfontein) – Jozua Theron.
- Fonteinskloof Trust (Fonteinskloof) – Ian Le Roux.
- DL Conroy Testamentary Trust (Mon Desir) – Anné-Marie Conroy.
OVK wool innovation competition 2026 finalists
The finalists in this year’s OVK wool innovation competition have also been announced. Entries reflected strong creativity, skill and innovation, making the judges’ task particularly difficult. The finalists, listed in no particular order, are:
- Oreneilwe Nancy Murwa.
- Talitha Potgieter.
- Rika van Rooyen.
The winners of both competitions will be announced at the OVK and KWWF gala evening on 2 July 2026, a key highlight of the festival programme. The festival also thanked the competition judges for sharing their expertise and time:
- Deon Saayman – Cape Wools.
- Dan Kriek – National Wool Growers’ Association.
- Weza Moss – Anathi Group.
- Beauty Mokgwamme – Mohair SA Empowerment Trust.
Celebrating excellence across the wool value chain
The OVK competitions reflect the heart of the KWWF by celebrating excellence, innovation and the people behind South Africa’s world-class wool industry. Whether you are a wool producer, industry role-player, crafter, designer, family looking for a memorable winter getaway, or simply interested in the story of wool, the KWWF 2026 offers an experience worth adding to the calendar. This July, the festival will once again celebrate the people, products, traditions, and innovations shaping the future of South African wool.
For tickets, programme details and festival updates, visit the KWWF website or follow its social media channels. – Media release, KWWF (reworked)
