FAQ: KLEIN KAROO Group

Regarding the general aspects related to business within the
KLEIN KAROO Group several questions are received regulaly. To enhance clarity on certain general issues the following information may serve as a guideline to parties interested in the business of KLEIN KAROO:

What is the importance of traceability in both KLEIN KAROO ostrich and seed products?

 The quest for only the very best Hallmark of Quality ostrich leather and meat products as well as seed delivered to customes call for a zero tollerance attitude towards quality and  after sales service. Technologicaly advanced barcoded tracing systems make it possible to trace all of KLEIN KAROO's ostrich leather, each portion of meat and every packet of seed back to the farm of origin. Value adding processes are also captured and the barcode detail on each pack or batch serves as the computerised address of the products consumed. 

How does KLEIN KAROO know that it offers products of an international standard?

In order to manage you need to measure. As far as KLEIN KAROO International Ostrich Leather is concerned the ISO 9001 quality control system has been adopted. Working areas, systems, equipment, people and control have been evaluated, upgraded and streamlined according to the rquirements of the International Standards Organisation. Authorised and accredited auditing officials representing ISO are doing external audits within the tannery and leather marketing division on a regular basis.

KLEIN KAROO International Ostrich Meat has been accredited by the international HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points) Foodsafety Program. Control measures are applied in the abattoir and meat marketing procedures to ensure that all points of intervention by man or machine adhere to all foodsafety bacterial, hygiene and preventative measures required by the European Union (EU) and its member countries.

The Klein Karoo Seed Laboratory in Oudtshoorn is accredited with ISTA. Tracing of all produce and equipment used in the seedcleaning process also warrant that the end consumer will be familiar with the exact origin of the final product.

Is the KLEIN KAROO Group involved in its community?

Since the producers of ostrich, seed and fruit produce processed and marketed by the KLEIN KAROO Group and all employees in the processing plants derive from the immediate local area the wellbeing and growth of the resident community in Oudtshoorn is important to the Group.

Current community projects include the Dysselsdorp Liquorice and Essential Oils project,  some vegetable seed projects and the Dysseldorp Feather Sorting project. At the latter more than 100 local breadwinners are supporting their families financially from their ability to size and sort ostrich feathers. Training and the feathers are supplied by KLEIN KAROO.

Why do ostriches thrive in and around Oudtshoorn?

The ostrich (Strutheo Camelus) is a semi-dessert bird.  They are very sesitive to climatological conditions being it too cold, too warm or even too wet. Oudtshoorn is naturally dry with an average rainfall of less than 200mm per annum. Although the area enjoys sunshine almost all year round and some snowfall does occurduring the South African winter on both the Swartberg and the Outeniqua mountain ranges conditions do not easily become extreme. Low bacterial counts in the fertile Klein Karoo Village soil provide for ideal seed growing conditions as the primary food source for ostriches. 

Is the KLEIN KAROO Group a Co-operative or a Company?

The KLEIN KAROO Group consists of three main business divisions e.g. KLEIN KAROO International (Pty) Ltd, Klein Karoo Seed Holdings (Pty) Ltd and the KLEIN KAROO Co-operative.

The KLEIN KAROO Co-operative takes care of all Trade, Mechanisation, Irigation, Insurance and Livestock Marketing and Auction services.

KLEIN KAROO International (Pty) Ltd is responsible for all ostrich production, processing and marketing services being it leather, feathers or meat products.

Klein Karoo Seed Holdings (Pty) Ltd serves as an umbrella company for seed production, seed marketing and seed research and development.

Is ostrich meat white like that of poultry?

No ostrich meat is surpisingly a very delectable red meat. Compared to other red meat types e.g. beef and mutton, it is much lower in fat and cholesterol – also lower than most poultry – and very high in protein. It is not regarded as an alternative red meat but as the healthiest and most delicious of them all.

Where are ostriches being produced in South Africa?

About 75% are being produced in the Western and Southern Cape , 25% in the Eastern Cape and the rest in the northern provinces of South Africa. Oudtshoorn, in the Klein-Karoo (Southern Cape) is the ostrich capital of the world.

 Where are the products being marketed?

Meat, mainly in Europe. Because of the meat’s health characteristics ( almost no fat and cholestrol), it is a sought-after product. The ten ostrich abattoirs in South Africa are all accredited for export.
Leather products can be found almost everywhere but mostly in Europe, the USA, Japan. Ostrich leather is exotic, supple and durable. In 2003, miss South Africa wore an ostrich leather dress in the Miss Universe competition. Miss South Africa 2004 wore an ostrich feather international costume at Miss Universe 2005 and Mrs South Africa 2005 also wore a stunning KLEIN KAROO feathers outfit at the Mrs World Pageant in Russia. 
Feathers are being used in fashion articles all over as well as in carnivals like the Rio Carnival and extravaganzas such as in Las Vegas and the Moulin Rouge in Paris.

Which products are being produced by an ostrich?

Leather : 65% of income
Meat: 30% of income
Feathers: 5% of income

How important is research in the ostrich industry?

The South African ostrich industry believes in continuous product development, product enhancement, effective production and processing practises to ensure consistent high quality products.
Research is being done by private companies as well as Government.
Research projects are also aimed at ensuring the welfare of ostriches.