The MEC of agriculture in the Eastern Cape, Nonceba Kontsiwe, announced an investment of R1.4 million to construct a fully equipped shed with a plunge dipping tank, ablution facilities, an office, removable animal-handling facilities and fencing.
At the event at Ngonyama Village, Kontsiwe, alongside the Mbashe Local Municipality executive mayor, Dr Samkelo Janda, handed the investment over to Ngonyama Shearing Shed.
Formed in 2017, the shed’s association has 48 members, 23 women and 25 men. The department also donated 10 Dohne Merino rams to boost the quality of the wool clip.
In the last shearing season, the farmers shorn 3 409 sheep, producing 19 wool bales which were sold to CMW in Gqeberha for R98 342.
Upgrading infrastructure to drive commercial growth
Before the department’s investment, the farmers of the Masibambisane Woolgrowers Association travelled more than 15km to a shearing shed in Xeni location in another ward.
The association’s chairman, Mtutuzeli Vayisi, said they were very happy that the government has provided them with a shed.
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“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,” he said.
He added that the rams the department provided in 2022 have changed the quality of their flock, and they now produce good-quality wool.
Kontsiwe encouraged farmers to continue producing quality wool, and the investment should propel them to become commercial, independent farmers.
“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,” she said.
Safeguarding investment and tackling rural challenges
Kontsiwe called on the community to work with the police to fight stock theft, adding that they should not be afraid to report suspicious activities.
Urging the community to preserve government investment, Janda said the structure should be utilised for shearing, which brings economic benefits instead of being used for other purposes.
“The community should not convert the sheds into churches and crèches; you should use them for what they were intended for,” he said.
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