2023 Sponsors and Partners
The Karoo Winter Wool Festival is made possible thanks to our amazing partners and sposnors who believe in the KWWF aim and ethos. We are incredibly grateful for all that they have done to make the festival possible and are excited for the exciting activities that are still to come.
Cape Wool SA
Message from Deon Saayman
General Manager of Cape Wools SA
Official Partner and Sponsor
In the fast moving global playing field we find ourselves in, we sometimes need to take a step back to our wool roots and reflect on the origin of this wonderful fibre.
The Karoo winter wool festival provides the platform to celebrate the wool farmers, whilst bringing the creative minds of the designers right to the source of the fibre they use.
The first ever KWWF was held last year on Dwarsvlei farm in the heart of the Karoo, with Cape Wools coming on Board as a partner to the event. The success of the event and the passion with which every aspect of the festival was executed, resulted in the continuation of the festival this year.
Cape Wools is proud to be the official partner of the KWWF and bringing all the role-players in the wool community together to celebrate all things wool.
The interaction between designers and manufacturers and wool farmers creates a vibrant platform for mutual understanding up and down the value chain.
As a key supplier of certified sustainable wool to the global world, the KWWF will continue to put a focus on the South African wool manufacturers, artisans, designers, crafters and farmers.
OVK
Message from Jacque Le Roux
OVK General Manager of Fibre (Wool and Mohair)
Major Sponsor
“From the first moment we were approached by the Karoo Winter Wool Festival Organising Committee in 2022 to become part of this initiative, we knew we were onto something special.The opportunity to be part of something that celebrates the fibre and industry we love was too good to let pass and this year we intend to expand our involvement and hopefully contribute to the overall experience.
OVK has been part of the wool landscape for the last 21 years after buying a shareholding in Cape Mohair and Wool in the year 2002 and expanding on their investment in 2013 by taking up 100% of the shareholding in CMW. Today OVK is an established name in the South African wool (and mohair) industry and controls approximately 30% of all wool sold on auction.
OVK firmly believes in the value and future of Merino type wool, both in South African production terms as well as international demand for our quality. Our message to our wool producers; stick to your guns, you will reap the rewards!
Please look out for our Schools Art competition (regional schools only), Wool Innovation Competition, Best Single Wool Bale Competition.
Please contact our offices in Port Elizabeth for more information on these competitions at 041-4057600 and ask for Debbie.”
BKB
BKB has been a leader in the wool industry for many years, and we are thrilled to have them as sponsors for this event. As one of the largest wool brokers in the country, they bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the table.
We look forward to a strong exciting partnership.
STANDARD BANK
Nico Groenewald: Head Agribusiness Commercial Banking South Africa
Farmers are the heartbeat of the South African economy. Standard bank is committed to partner and grow with the agricultural economy, because when a farmer wins, we all win. Africa is our home; we drive her growth. As it is our purpose to drive Africa’s growth, we remain committed to just being more than the leading financial service provider by assets, we strive to be catalysts for economic growth and to improve livelihoods in the communities we operate in.
Standard Bank’s origins are rooted in agriculture. This was on the back of the wool boom in PE in the 1860’s. As the largest lender by asset, we take pride in the fact that agriculture has stayed with us, and we have stayed with agriculture. It not only challenges us, but it excites us as an integral part of the fabric of the South African economy. We have evolved over time, and by that, we now view ourselves as a bank that focuses on partnering for sustainable growth with our clients.
As one of the leading financial institutions in the country, Standard Bank's commitment to excellence and innovation aligns perfectly with our festival's mission of showcasing the best and brightest in the wool industry. We are thrilled to have them sponsor us for this event.
Standard Bank has a long history of supporting and investing in the agricultural industry, including wool production. Their expertise and knowledge have been invaluable in helping farmers and producers to thrive and grow, and we are grateful for their continued support.
Merchants on Long
Merchants on Long has been promoting African design made on the continent in South Africa and beyond since 2010. Pan-African at heart, the concept store takes pride in showcasing slow-produced and handcrafted collections from across the continent by brands that are vetted for their strong sustainable and ethical commitments.
Merchants on Long can be found at 34 Long Street in Cape Town and at the V&A Waterfront Store 6139 as well as online. From June 12-22, you can also visit their pop up store in Johannesburg at 19 Keyes Avenue, Rosebank. For more information, please visit merchantsonlong.co.za
