South Africa has once again proved their exceptional skill at sheep shearing to claim the top spot – for the sixth time in a row – in the hand shearing division of the Golden Shears World Championships.
By Marise Schoonraad, journalist at African Farming and Landbouweekblad
The South African hand shearing team delivered an exceptional performance at the weekend with Bonile Rabela successfully defending his world champion title, while his teammate Teboho Nyatsa secured a silver medal.
The two shearers dominated the competition held in Masterton, New Zealand and handled the challenging cross-bred sheep with precision and efficiency. Their results confirmed South Africa’s position as the undisputed world champions in the hand shearing division at the 2026 Golden Shears World Championships.
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In the hand shearing team division, South African duo, Rabela and Nyatsa, finished in second place and won the silver medal. The team also achieved further success in the All Nations hand shearing division, where Nyatsa won gold and Rabela secured a bronze medal.
The machine shearing and wool handling teams aim to return to the next championships with the same level of preparation and hope to bring home more golden trophies. Each championship provides valuable experience to help close the gap between the teams and the top podium positions.
Also watch: Valuable advice from an expert if you want to become a shearer
If you have a young shearer at home, the Golden Shears World Championships also features a teddy bear shearing section designed for children. This category helps introduce them to the sport and encourages the next generation of shearing champions.
There are three years before the next championships – plenty of time to ensure that young shearers become part of the green-and-gold shearing team and help South Africa bring home even more world champion titles.
Also watch: Younger generation increasingly interested in sheep shearing and wool handling
