Mohair breaks selling record

MATHATISI SEBUSI

MASERU – Some of the local Mohair sold at the first Maluti Wool and Mohair Centre auction fetched a record M355 per kg today.

At least 715 kg of Basotho kids’ short mohair surpassed previous records buoyed by a weak Rand which was trading at R15. 80 to the US dollar.

Director of Maluti Wool and Mohair Centre Advocate Lehlohonolo Matee told Public Eye this was “the first auction of its kind in Lesotho” and attributed its success to the brokers’ openness and fair trading practice.

South African buyers Stucken, Samil, Mosil and Saffil competed in the auction floor where the price averaged M195 per kg.

Growers whose produce was on sale were invited to witness the auction and also interacted with international buyers via video link.

“We have recorded the highest price this season as, as Basotho, we have in the past struggled to reach M300 per kg.

“Buyers showed a lot of interest in Lesotho wool because of the uniqueness of its quality and have come forward, offering to support farmers with goats and to get involved in sheep health to ensure production of quality wool and mohair,” he said.

The auctioned mohair was from Maseru, Thaba Tseka, Quthing and from one shearing shed in Mokhotlong.

Ramots’oeneng Tsaeng, a Matsieng farmer was happy to be invited to the auction.

This was a departure from the past when growers only got a retrospective report of the price of their fabric.

“It was very nice to finally meet people that buy our wool and be addressed by them. This should have been done from the onset to avoid misunderstandings that have occurred between farmers and the Government.

“It put us at ease to witness our fabric being sold and in this way we will not feel cheated,” he said.