Eastern Cape Strengthens Global Mohair Leadership with R21 Million Carding Machine

The Eastern Cape’s position as the global epicentre of mohair production took centre stage as SAMIL Natural Fibres unveiled a R21 million state-of-the-art carding machine at the SAMIL Border Combing Plant in Ntabozuko. The investment represents more than technological advancement; it reflects a strategic commitment to value-addition, rural industrialisation, and inclusive economic participation. By boosting processing capacity in the province that produces the majority of the world’s mohair, the Eastern Cape continues to uphold its status as a leading agricultural producer and a globally competitive hub for specialised textile processing.

Established in 1987, the SAMIL Border Combing Plant has undergone continuous upgrades to become one of South Africa’s premier mohair processing facilities. South Africa contributes 56% of global mohair production, with approximately 75% of that output originating from the Eastern Cape. In 2025, SAMIL commanded an estimated 41% share of South Africa’s total exports of mohair top and noil, positioning the plant as a key anchor in the global textile value chain. The new carding machine is designed to enhance fibre preparation, improve processing efficiency, and ensure consistent quality, enabling the facility to meet premium international standards and remain competitive in global markets.

SAMIL Chief Executive Officer, Evert Vermeulen, described the expansion as a defining moment for the industry, noting that it demonstrates the impact of purposeful collaboration between government and industry to secure long-term sustainability. He highlighted that the facility transforms raw fibre from Eastern Cape farmers into high-quality processed products destined for international markets, reinforcing local value-addition. MEC for Agriculture, Nonceba Kontsiwe, praised the expansion as proof of the province’s leadership in the mohair sector, stressing that strengthening agro-processing is key to creating jobs, promoting rural industrialisation, and empowering black mohair producers.

MEC for Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism, Nonkqubela Peters, framed the investment as a sign of confidence in the province’s policy and industrial development strategy. She noted that the plant has created and sustained 82 permanent jobs and emphasised the importance of linking emerging farmers with world-class processing facilities to enable participation in premium export markets. Supporting this effort, the Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC) and the Mohair Empowerment Trust have invested in emerging black producers, providing financial instruments, shearing equipment, and quality improvement initiatives to integrate them into downstream processing opportunities.

The programme concluded with a guided walkthrough of the facility led by SAMIL Plant Manager Keith Green. Stakeholders observed the entire mohair processing workflow, from raw fibre reception and sorting to carding, combing, and preparation for export. The demonstration highlighted the plant’s machinery, fibre handling systems, and quality assurance measures, showcasing the technical precision and industrial discipline required to maintain South Africa’s dominant role in the global mohair market. The unveiling of the carding machine marks a milestone in strengthening local agro-processing infrastructure, supporting rural economic growth, and ensuring the Eastern Cape remains the world’s centre for high-quality mohair.