THE MOHAIR INDUSTRY BREAKS GROUND FOR THEIR NEW HOME IN THE MOHAIR CAPITAL.

14 April 2015
THE MOHAIR INDUSTRY BREAKS GROUND FOR THEIR NEW HOME IN THE MOHAIR CAPITAL.

Today, Wednesday the 8th April 2015, marks a historical event for The Mohair Industry as they celebrate the official ground breaking ceremony for their new Headquarters in Port Elizabeth.

As leaders in mohair production, South Africa produces 53% of global mohair production and together with Lesotho, produces 70% of world production, making Africa a prominent continent for its excellent quality mohair.

Moving closer to home, there are two dedicated mohair spinners in the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Municipality and the majority of the world’s mohair is processed in two plants in the Eastern Cape; making Port Elizabeth the mohair capital of the world - a title worth honouring for generations to come.

Built by BSP Construction and designed by Jason Erlank Architects, the beautifully designed Karoo-inspired Headquarters will be used by various industry organisations, and will house Mohair South Africa, the Mohair Trust and the Empowerment Trust, as they make the office their permanent home.

Upon dissolution of the Mohair Board at the end of 1997, the Mohair Trust and Mohair South Africa was formed. The trust is the custodian of the Industry assets and decides on the utilisation of the funds by the industry. Mohair South Africa is the body responsible for the Marketing and Promotion of mohair and represents the mohair industry in South Africa.

The producers of mohair are represented by the South African Mohair Growers’ association and the breeders are represented by the Ram Breeders Association, both with their office situated in Jansenville, the heart of the mohair production area.

The empowerment trust was formed in 2010 to drive the empowerment initiatives of the Mohair Industry.

David Herold, Chairman of the Mohair Trust said “Today is such an important day for our industry. We are excited to be part of a project that will represent mohair in a creative space that will welcome clients and visitors alike; giving them an opportunity to experience the Mohair brand on a whole new level. Thank you for joining us in celebrating this monumental occasion.”

The new building will include a retail space, where an array of mohair products, produced both locally and abroad, will be available. A mini conference centre will be created to cater mainly for the industry needs. Provision is also being made for a mohair library and crafting space, which can be utilised by students.