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The continuing struggles of the global economy post 2020 is also having an effect on the wool industry in South Africa, not to mention the rand’s intermittent poor performance. Aside from the fact that wool is sold internationally and is therefore strongly affected by economic trends, consideration should also be given to production factors that have an influence on wool supply.
However, says Guillau du Toit, chairperson of the SA Wool Forum, South African sheep producers have a knack for making plans to survive and remain sustainable. South African wool competes with the best in the world thanks to the outstanding systems and structures the industry has in place. One such structure is the Wool Forum.
The Wool Forum
Every industry has differences of opinion and misunderstandings that need to be addressed, says Du Toit, and if they don’t have a platform to accomplish this, a lot can go wrong. The Wool Forum, which was part of the older structures of the wool industry, provided a platform for debating such matters. However, these structures have undergone considerable changes over the years as industry leaders realised the importance of this platform in accommodating all role-players.
Many people wonder whether there still is a place for the Wool Forum, but one only needs to attend one meeting to witness the crucial role it plays in good communication and keeping everything running smoothly. “Role-players need to understand each other’s roles, frustrations, shortcomings and challenges in order to make a positive difference. The forum assists in accomplishing this and is open to all stakeholders in the wool value chain.
“One of the forum’s functions is the appointment of trustees who, in turn, have to provide feedback on the trust’s finances. This system protects the trust’s money which can then be put towards meaningful projects. Because all role-players and prominent industries within the value chain are involved and have a seat on the forum, it also serves as a guide for Cape Wools SA. Everyone’s interests are protected while keeping the industry running smoothly,” he says.
Read more about boosting communal sheep production.
Quality tests
Another structure that promotes the sustainability of the South African wool industry is the Wool Testing Bureau. The wool market is very competitive, and wool producers compete in a market that favours high international standards. South Africa may not be one of the biggest global suppliers of wool, but the country certainly ranks among the best in terms of quality.
Du Toit, who is also one of the bureau’s directors, says the organisation plays a big part in elevating the quality of the South African clip. All wool sold undergo technical tests at the Wool Testing Bureau’s testing station where the micron, length, tensile strength, and clean yield are determined. These are the characteristics that buyers base their price on.
The South African bureau is one of five major testing bureaus in the world. The standards they maintain are among the highest in the world. A sample of each bale is subjected to these tests and the buyers receive the full report regarding the lot they wish to purchase. The information contained in the report assists them in choosing the product that best suits their needs.
The Wool Testing Bureau ‘s testing is based on ISO standards and must comply with the standards of the International Wool Textile Organisation. “Regular tests are conducted to ensure that all wool testing bureaus comply with the same standards. This means the entire market operates at the same level.”
Du Toit says that although the wool market is experiencing a low point at present, the industry’s structures are without a doubt relevant, well-established, and reliable. Everything possible is being done to get wool producers and the industry as a whole through this crisis. – Koos du Pisanie, Stockfarm
Contact Guillau du Toit on 083 561 6325 for more information
