The Provincial Chairperson of the Eastern Cape Communal Wool Growers Association in Mthatha, Andile Ndzendze, confirmed that farmers are currently hosting competitions aimed at uplifting and motivating others to maintain sheep of high standards in order to achieve better results.
To achieve this, they recently hosted a regional competition at Ngqunge Cooperative shearing shed, outside Mthatha.
Ndzendze stated that farmers who won the regional competition will now compete at the district level.
This competition will take place at Clarkbury Agricultural High School in Ngcobo from 10 to 11 September.
On the first day, the event will feature a congress and an initial competition, followed by a flock competition on the second day.
Farmers competing at the provincial district level will represent several Eastern Cape districts, including Alfred Nzo, O.R. Tambo, Amathole, Chris Hani, and Joe Gqabi District Municipalities, among others.
“In these competitions, sheep are judged in various categories, from young rams to mature rams. They are assessed based on their wool production. The government, especially the Department of Agriculture (DoA), is supporting us, and several other stakeholders are also providing their support,” said Ndzendze.
He added that police officers focusing on stock theft were present during preparations for the event due to the increasing incidents of sheep theft.
Ndzendze voiced concern that people are losing interest in raising sheep because of the ongoing issue of livestock theft; however, he emphasised that this would not deter their efforts.
Ndzendze also urged the government to establish facilities where wool can be efficiently sorted and processed.
He highlighted that owning 500 sheep of poor quality is not ideal.
“For our sheep to reach high standards, we must have access to proper grazing fields to improve their condition.”
He acknowledged that all municipalities are performing well, except the O.R. Tambo District, where a lack of access to commercial farming land remains the primary challenge.
He further commented on the worsening issue of livestock theft, which he described as no longer just “stock theft” but akin to robbery.
“When thieves arrive, they threaten the owners and challenge them to confront them if they are brave enough. This is why we invited police officers and representatives from King Sabata Dalindyebo Local Municipality to be present. We are using every tool at our disposal to combat this behaviour.
“We are also developing a plan where every farmer must hold a proper branding certificate. This includes tattooing sheep, as all sheep must be marked with tattoos, not knives.
“If someone uses a knife for marking sheep, they should be considered suspicious. Times have changed, and we must follow proper procedures,” he added.
Ndzendze also urged the government to install surveillance cameras in key areas to help municipalities monitor sheep movements through specific points.
He explained that these measures are part of a larger effort to combat livestock theft and its associated challenges.
