The wool market has become a lifeline for many rural based Eastern Cape sheep farmers – providing income that helps them expand their farming operations.
Khayelethu Batayi, a sheep farmer based in Ngqamakhwe in the Eastern Cape, says selling his wool to entities such as Gqeberha based BKB, which sources wool from sheep farmers including small scale suppliers, has opened financial opportunities he never imagined.
“The money I get from BKB helps me buy more medicine and healthy food to take care of my farm, my sheep are always looking healthy and I have bigger plans in the coming years,” says Batayi.
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He says after years of building his flock under tough conditions, the “wool cheque” he receives each year is the backbone of his farm’s growth.
BKB links small and growing farmers to the formal wool market, offering stable prices and a platform for producers across the Eastern Cape.
Batayi says the wool industry is more than just an income source, it is a foundation for developing a sustainable farming future. He explains that consistent support from BKB gives rural farmers confidence and stability, especially in seasons of drought or rising input costs.
The Eastern Cape remains one of the country’s leading wool-producing regions, with thousands of small-scale farmers depending on the sector for both income and community development. Many of these farmers come from remote areas where job opportunities are limited.
Through BKB’s structured sales system and transparent auction prices, farmers are able to access national and international markets without needing large financial resources or advanced infrastructure. This has allowed farmers to reinvest in their land, improve flock health, and maintain better grazing conditions.
Jongikhaya Sithole, says although farming in a more urban environment in Gqeberha presents its own challenges, the “wool cheque” he receives has helped him maintain stability at home while also developing his farm.
“I use the money I make from selling my wool to BKB to support my family and to grow my farm, such supportive companies inspire us to grow in the farming industry and makes us love what we do,” says Sithole.
With South Africa’s wool industry facing global pressures from fluctuating exchange rates to export restrictions, the reliability of local wool brokers becomes even more crucial.
BKB’s operations have helped shield many farmers from the worst effects of market instability by ensuring regular sales and clear communication about price trends. For small-scale farmers, who often operate with limited resources, this kind of institutional support can be the difference between growth and hardship.
siphosethu@vutivibusiness.co.za
