Ostrich Plumes Make a Grand Return in Oudtshoorn

Nestled between the majestic Swartberg and Outeniqua mountains, the town of Oudtshoorn basks in the glory of the setting sun, as hundreds of ostriches flaunt their elegant plumage. Known as the ostrich capital, Oudtshoorn contributes approximately 70% of global ostrich products, ranging from feather dusters to luxury fashion accessories.

The semi-arid climate of the Western Cape town makes it an ideal location for ostrich farming, enabling the production of premium quality feathers sought after by fashion designers and enthusiasts worldwide. The prospects of the ostrich industry have cyclical peaks and troughs, intertwined with the ever-changing tides of fashion trends. Nevertheless, the ostrich's adaptability ensures its relevance and sustainability, as the industry utilizes every part of the bird, from meat to feathers, leaving no waste in the process.

Cape Karoo International, led by feather division head Peter Liebenberg, is a testament to the ostrich product's global appeal, with its feather boas, trims, and dusters being in high demand. Liebenberg acknowledges that the extravagance of New York’s Met Gala brings international attention to ostrich feathers, a phenomenon which bolsters the local economy.

In Oudtshoorn, ostrich-related wares spill into the culinary and retail sectors—its steaks grace many a plate, while its skin is transformed into high-end leather goods. Even during the Covid-19 pandemic, as the demand for ostentatious feathered garments plummeted, ostrich feathers found their way into homes as functional cleaning tools, keeping the industry resilient.

The town is no stranger to the booms and busts associated with ostrich feathers. In the early 20th century, ostrich plumes became South Africa's fourth-biggest export, indicating the opulence and wealth of the region. Despite collapsing markets and changing transportation modes, such as the rise of the automobile, which lessened the appeal of feather-adorned hats, the industry has demonstrated an enduring ability to bounce back.

At Cape Karoo International, dedicated artisans sort, dye, and craft feathers into luxurious items. A hundred tonnes of feathers, including millions of dusters and thousands of meters of trim, are processed annually, securing the town's position as a significant player in the feather market.

Farmers like Saag Jonker, who became an auctioneer in the industry at a young age, never losing their passion for ostrich products. Jonker's company stands as the largest private ostrich breeding, processing, and marketing firm globally, slaughtering tens of thousands of birds each season. Their high-quality black and white wing feathers are coveted by high fashion houses, Moulin Rouge performers, and carnival participants, demonstrating the product's versatility and universal appeal.

The story of Oudtshoorn's ostrich plumes is one of resilience and adaptability. From decadent fashion to practical homemaking, the industry adjusts and thrives, making Oudtshoorn a symbol of the timeless elegance and utility of the ostrich.