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3% of Africa's due to underreporting; data is outdated and inconsistent.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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