THE MEC for the Eastern Cape Department of Agriculture, Nonceba Kontsiwe, handed over 300 sheep to small-scale farmers in the O.R. Tambo District last week.
The event took place at the Tsolo Agricultural and Rural Development Institute (TARDI) in Tsolo.
This initiative aims to enhance productivity, improve disease resistance, promote genetic diversity, and economically empower farmers. Kontsiwe stated that the department is committed to investing in wool production.
As part of this effort, she handed over 300 sheep, including rams and ewes, to wool growers’ associations in the O.R. Tambo District.
The handover also included ongoing support for farmers affected by recent veld fires, such as Mabhozo Yilo from Zilandana Village in Qumbu, who tragically lost nearly 100 sheep. Yilo received six Dohne Merino rams to rebuild and improve the genetic quality of his flock.
This support follows earlier assistance, including animal feed delivered by Kontsiwe and sheep donated by businessman, Ace Ncobo.
Kontsiwe noted that the initiative addresses challenges such as poor genetic quality and low growth rates, which hinder farmers’ access to formal markets.
The Eastern Cape produces approximately 11.3 million kilograms of wool annually, with 5 million kilograms coming from black communal farmers.
In the 2024/25 financial year, the department procured 1,191 sheep — including Dorper, Merino, and Dohne Merino breeds — at a cost of R5.2 million.
The O.R. Tambo District received 389 rams and 270 ewes. Province-wide, 809 rams will be distributed.
The department’s broader strategy focuses on several key areas:
. Enhancing livestock genetics through the Livestock Production Improvement Scheme to improve wool quality;
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Promoting inclusivity by encouraging the participation of youth, people with disabilities, and military veterans;
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Linking farmers with industry stakeholders to improve market access;
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Providing training and mentorship, especially for youth, women, and people with disabilities;
. Reducing sheep scab incidence through increased awareness campaigns.
“We are committed to supporting our farmers so they can produce high-quality wool. We also encourage those who are not yet farming to get involved. One day, we hope you will become commercial farmers, competing at a higher level. For now, we are focusing on those who have already started, and we urge you to support one another,” said Kontsiwe.
She added that the department chose this area because some farmers from Mhlontlo Local Municipality lost sheep and goats due to veld fires last year.
One of the beneficiaries, Mabhozo Yilo (64), expressed deep gratitude for the support. He recalled how, after losing his entire flock to veld fires, he felt hopeless and even considered taking his own life.
“I felt like I had lost everything and wanted to die. But receiving these rams has given me hope again. I never expected any assistance after the fire. The sheep I received today are beautiful. I will take care of them and ensure they are properly vaccinated to keep them healthy. After my sheep died, my heart was broken into pieces, but today, I am happy,” said Yilo.
He also revealed that he has been a victim of stock theft, losing more than 20 sheep to thieves. Another beneficiary, Nokhanya Ntshobothi (53), from Mbinja Village in Tsolo, said she was overjoyed to receive sheep. A mother of four, she has been farming for many years.
“In my area, stock theft is a major challenge, with thieves specialising in stealing sheep and cattle. Fortunately, I have not been affected so far. I use the money I earn from selling sheep to support my children. I even built my home with the money I made from farming. Selling wool has also been very beneficial for me,” said Ntshobothi.
