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The 1999 National and Open Shearing Championships which started today in Bloemfontein and will continue on 13 March, promises to be a special event.

"Shearing and preparing wool for the International market is a highly specialised industry. Wool producers need to present their product on the market in such a manner that they attract the attention of the world market, and in this process shearers play a major role," Minister Hanekom said. "I wish all participants in the competition the best of luck".

The first shearing competitions, which were introduced in SA in 1983, were held with a view to improving the quality of shearing and raising the productivity and income of sheep shearers. Within a few years this competition became so popular among sheares that various regional competitions were introduced where participants can now qualify for the annual SA Championships which take place at the Bloemfontein Show.

When New Zealand started participating in the SA Championships, South African shearers found that they compared so well with their New Zealand counterparts that they visited that country to gain exposure. Their experiences were shared with their fellow shearers in South Africa.

The shearing competitions have developed into a sport recognised by the South African National Sports Council and have been registered as such.

In 1996 and 1998 South Africa teams participated in the biennial world championships in New Zealand and Ireland respectively. The South African performance was outstanding and on both occasions a shearer from South Africa became hand-shearing world champion.

South Africa will have the privilege of presenting the 2000 World Shearing Championships in Bloemfontein and to act as host for participants from more than 20 countries. This will be South Africa's last opportunity to prepare itself for the next world championships which will be hosted by us next year.

In addition to the Shearing Championships, the first Wool Handling Championships in South Africa will be held at the Bloemfontein Show.

Enquiries: Vanessa van Jaarsveldt: (051) 448-9894

Issued by: Ministry for Land Affairs and Agriculture, 12 March 1999
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