According to the Red Meat Industry Services, South Africa is home to an estimated 7 million goats, with the Eastern Cape, Limpopo, and KwaZulu-Natal provinces accounting for over 71% of the national goat population. Limpopo alone holds nearly 20% of the country’s goats, many of which are red breeds like the Boer goat and Kalahari red, known for their resilience in harsh conditions.

For 40-year-old Khutso Ntjana from Mopani District, goat farming began as a solution to poverty and health challenges in her family, including lactose intolerance and severe eczema in her children. Starting on a shoestring budget, Ntjana has turned goat farming into a sustainable income source for her family and employees. She emphasizes its potential to empower rural women, especially in areas with high unemployment.

However, challenges remain, including limited access to land, high feed costs during droughts, and stock theft. Commercial goat farmer Theone Du Plooy highlights the growing demand for starter goats among local farmers, while industry experts urge producers to sell at auctions to secure fair market prices.

South Africa currently exports processed goat meat to countries like Lesotho and Gabon, but the industry aims to expand formal exports by supporting communal farmers in entering commercial markets. As goat farming continues to grow, it offers both economic opportunities and hurdles for rural communities.