Swakara celebrates 110 years of success
Published: 01 Nov 2017

 The Swakara Industry celebrated its 110-year anniversary on the 31st of October 2017. This momentous occasion was celebrated with a gala dinner and fashion show of international standards. The well-hosted event, attended by dignitaries from all over the industry, was held in Keetmanshoop.

The gala dinner was preceded by the annual Swakara Industry Forum, focusing on the implementation of the Code of Practice for the Care and Handling of Swakara sheep. An independent consultant for the Kering group and international expert in standards for animal welfare, Ms Anna Heaton from England as well as Mr Mark Boyle, Director of Standards, Welfare and Environment from the International Fur Federation, highlighted the importance of Animal welfare and overall sustainability for a niche brand such as Swakara.

From the year 2020, all pelts sold by international auction houses must be FURMARK certifi ed, stating that the producing party adheres to a strict code of conduct in the production of the pelts. As the standards set by the Swakara industry are quite strict, both the producers and overseeing body feels that it is a move in the right direction.

Mr Jesper Lauge Chiristensen, Vice President of Kopenhagen Fur, also shared his views on the industry and the way forward.

The gala event was opened by Ms Julene Meyer, Chairperson of the Swakara Board who highlighted her gratitude to everybody, present and past, that contributed to making the industry such a success. Honorable John Mutorwa, Minister of Agriculture, Water and Forestry, was also among the esteemed guests. He emphasised the strategic importance of the Swakara Industry for the communities of the arid South and confi rmed the continued support of Government through the Ministry of Agriculture to the industry.

The highlight of the gala dinner was the fashion show, which showcased the latest designs from Konstantinou Fur and Etherion, accompanied by the manufacturers themselves, Panos and Ana Siaraferas from Etherion Furs, Mr Athanasios Konstantinou from Konstantinou furs and Mr Christos Bourtsos from Bourtsos furs.

The industry was honored with the presence of three of the most prominent Swakara customers, all of whom has been involved in the industry for many years, and mostly specialise in Swakara garments. Besides the Greek manufactures from Kastoria, there were garments from the Swakara Board/ Kopenhagen Fur annual collaboration showcased along with two pieces on loan from Michelle Mclean that she wore during her pageants. The 10 models were all local girls with a bond to the industry.

The International Fur Federation received a Golden Lamb award, which is the highest order of appreciation by the Swakara Industry to honor their contributions The AgriForum received a Charter Awards.

Other institutions that also received Golden Lambs award were:

• The Swakara Breeders Society
• The Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry
• Kopenhagen Fur
• Agra Ltd

The top ten producers with more than 450 pelts marketed in 2017 were:

• P Steenkamp
• R Strauss
• E de Jager Boerdery
• P T Coetzee
• R Losper
• Danie Visser Trust
• P A Karsten
• R Losper
• Lovedale Farming
• Karasberge Karakoele Wit

The best producer with more than 1000 pelts was P Steenkamp with R Strauss in the second place.

The Quality Award for more than 800 pelts went to P Steenkamp.

The Agra/Kopenhagen Merit Award was received by PT Coetzee.