A meander through mohair land in Nelson Mandela Bay

Port Elizabeth is considered by many to be the mohair capital of the world. More than 20 000 people are employed in the industry, 50% of the world's mohair is produced in the Eastern Cape (most of which flows through PE on its way to world markets) and there are a number of mohair farms and factories in the area that are open to visitors.

In addition, about 70% of the mohair produced in Argentina, Turkey, Lesotho and Texas comes into South Africa via PE to be processed in local factories and is then exported.

Angora goats grow mohair in much the same way that sheep grow wool. However, where sheep are shorn once a year, goats are shorn twice. This is because the mohair grows quite long and shearing is a way to stop the goats from walking all over the silky fibre.

Seeing the docile animals and how the wooly fibre is turned into one of the most luxurious and valuable yarns has become a tourist attraction in the area and is so popular that the Mohair Meander was started in 2009.

The Mohair Meander starts on the R75 in Graaff-Reinet, which is the centre of angora goat farming. From there it crosses the Sundays River into Jansenville, finally ending in Uitenhage, part of the greater PE metrolpole.

Anle Marais, marketing manager for Mohair South Africa, says mohair tourismis becoming increasingly popular and a number of working farms are inviting tourists to come and visit so that they can show them how they operate.

The Hinterveld Farm in Uitenhage offers tours of its facilities and a has a great shop on site that stocks gorgeous mohair goodies. 

Getting your goat

Angora goats were introduced to South Africa in 1838 when the Sultan of Turkey sent 12 rams and one ewe to Port Elizabeth. The goats were meant for breeding, but the wily sultan had had the rams neutered. Unbekown to him, however, the ewe was pregnant and gave birth to a kid ram soon after her arrival in South Africa. 

That was the beginning of the mohair industry, which has since grown into the largest in the world. Some of the mohair is used locally in textiles and fibres, but a large portion is exported to other countries.

So if you're somewhere in Europe or North America and come across a mohair garment, there's a good chance that it passed through PE at one time or another.

12 facts about angora goats and mohair

• Angora goats are shorn twice a year
• Shearing takes place in May and November 
• Each goat produces between five and eight kilograms of mohair every year
• Different grades of mohair are used for different products, including socks, suits, blankets and soft home furnishings 
• Mohair keeps you warm in summer and cool in winter 
• The fibre is flame and crease resistant 
• The industry employs about 20 000 people in the Eastern Cape
• Angora goats originated in Asia Minor
• Angora goats produce white, brown, tan and even red mohair
• Like all goats, they are highly intelligent
• Mohair is one of the world’s most durable materials
• The fibre takes brilliantly to dyeing and the colours take a much longer time to fade than on other fabrics

Below are some tweets from the recent #MeetSouthAfrica mohair tour.

 

Touring Hinterveld factory; learning about mohair, wool, weaving and such. #MeetSouthAfrica pic.twitter.com/GZUn6ikDSK

— Rob (@Bloggeries) May 5, 2014

Final product ... luxuriously gorgeous! #mohair #MeetSouthAfrica pic.twitter.com/HIxzwA7Ho9

— Ciki (@agentcikay) May 5, 2014

Did you know that South Africa produces 70% of all the Mohair in the world? #MeetSouthAfrica pic.twitter.com/ptYyUL3gE8

— Katarina Mancama (@KatarinaMancama) May 5, 2014