VIEWPOINT- South Africa Battles Intense Veld Fires in Western and Eastern Cape Amid Arson Concerns (as of January 13, 2026)
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South Africa is grappling with a severe wave of veld fires (wildfires) sweeping through the Western Cape and Eastern Cape provinces since early January 2026.
WEEKEND-VIEWPOINT- South Africa’s wine industry stands at a pivotal turning point as it enters 2026
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South Africa’s wine industry stands at a pivotal turning point as it enters 2026 and looks toward the next decade.
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South Africa’s farmers are doing an incredible job. Year after year, they produce food for the nation and keep exports growing, even when costs are high and challenges are many.
VIEWPOINT- South Africa’s Foot-and-Mouth Disease Crisis Deepens in Early 2026
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As the new year begins, South Africa’s agriculture sector remains gripped by one of the most severe foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) outbreaks in recent memory.
WEEKEND-VIEWPOINT- South Africa enters 2026 carrying a heavy burden of unresolved problems.
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South Africa enters 2026 carrying a heavy burden of unresolved problems. The government keeps rolling out new laws and proposals, often as distractions from the real crises that get pushed aside.
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South Africa leads the world in mohair production, supplying about 75% of premium Angora goat fibre, yet the goat meat and dairy sectors remain largely underdeveloped and informal. The Department of Agriculture recently presented plans to Parliament for commercialisation, including a breeding centre for improved genetics, fixed/mobile slaughter and processing facilities, a meat classification system, and a cold chain in partnership with producers and retailers—though no timelines were given.Official estimates put the national goat herd at ~7.8 million, but experts like Rauri Alcock of the Goat Agribusiness Project suggest over 6 million are in undocumented communal systems, making the industry far larger than recorded.
South Africa holds 56% of SADC goat stocks but <3% of Africa's due to underreporting; data is outdated and inconsistent.
The value chain is predominantly informal: live goats and meat are sold cash at taxi ranks or homes, with only ~0.05% reaching formal abattoirs. High demand for live goats (used in ceremonies, especially in KwaZulu-Natal with ~2 million annually and 34% of goat-owning households) drives imports of ~150,000 animals yearly, mainly from Namibia. Goat meat fetches ~40% more per kg than mutton.Previous commercialisation projects (Umzimbuvu, Kgalagadi Dipudi, Kalahari Kid) have failed. Critics note government focuses on large-scale initiatives, overlooking rural "emerging" farmers who don't fit commercial definitions for tenders. Formalising the sector could unlock significant economic potential in rural areas.
South Africa boasts a diverse goat farming sector, leading globally in mohair production (about 75% of premium supply from Angora goats) while meat and dairy remain largely informal and underdeveloped. The national herd is estimated at ~7.8 million heads, with over 6 million in undocumented communal systems (primarily rural Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, and Limpopo) and ~1.8 million commercial.Commercial breeds dominate structured farming: Boer (top meat breed), Kalahari Red, Savanna (hardy, adaptable meat goats), and Angora (mohair).
Indigenous veld goats (~65–70% of total) thrive in extensive communal systems, valued for resilience, cultural ceremonies (e.g., ~2 million used annually in KZN), and low-input needs.Production focuses on meat (high informal demand; goat ~40% pricier than mutton), with only ~0.05% slaughtered formally. Annual slaughter ~3 million (mostly informal); imports ~150,000 live goats/year (mainly Namibia) fill gaps. Mohair is processed in Gqeberha for export.
Challenges include outdated/underreported stats, failed commercialisation projects, disease risks, theft, and government focus on large-scale initiatives overlooking rural "emerging" farmers ineligible for tenders.Opportunities lie in formalising the value chain (breeding centres, processing, classification proposed by Department of Agriculture), cultural/live animal demand, exports (genetics/meat), and niche dairy. Informal sales (cash at taxi ranks/homes) show untapped economic potential for rural livelihoods.The sector blends tradition with commercial potential, supporting food security and rural economies.
Despite hurdles, goat farming remains a vital, adaptable enterprise supporting food security and rural economies, with cultural significance adding unique demand strength. Many farmers thrive through resilience and informal networks.
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