University of Pretoria Exotic Leather Research Centre



University of Pretoria Exotic Leather Research Centre

The University of Pretoria Senate approved the establishment of the Exotic Leather Research Centre (ELRC) together with Chairs in Crocodile Health and Welfare, Crocodile Production and Exotic Leather Trade and Marketing in August 2013.

The ELRC acts as a Technical Collaborator for Exotic Leather South Africa, a sub-national cluster approved by the dti, registered as a non-profit organisation, responsible for developing best practice industry standards and benchmarks to improve the long term sustainability and global competitiveness of the industry.  This will be achieved through the implementation of a host of interventions that are based on a comprehensive analysis of the industry’s needs.

South Africa currently produces two types of exotic leathers, namely crocodile and ostrich leather. The crocodile and ostrich industries are represented by the South Africa Crocodile Industry Association (SACIA) and the South African Ostrich Business Chamber (SAOBC), respectively and include members across the entire value chain viz. producers, slaughter facilities, tanneries, manufacturers and retailers. These bodies are responsible for setting the “minimum standards” for members and work in association with the Exotic Leather Cluster, South Africa.



Contact Us

Director: ELRC

Prof Gerry Swan

C: +27 (0)83 636 6157

E: [email protected]

T: +27 (0)12 529 8386

F: +27 (0)12 529 85610

www.up.ac.za

Chair: Marketing and Trade

Prof Elmarie de Klerk

C: +27 (0)82 457 2607

E: [email protected]

T: +27 (0)12 420 2853

F: +27 (0)12 420 2855

www.elsa.org.za

Chair: Crocodile Production

Prof EC Webb

C: +27 (0)82 929 7562



E: [email protected]

T: +27 (0)12 420 3271/4018

F: +27 (0)12 420 3290

www.up.ac.za

Chair: Nile Crocodile Health & Welfare

Prof Jan G Myburgh

C: +27 (0)82 392 2534

E: [email protected]

T: +27 (0)12 529 8350

F: +27 (0)12 529 8304

www.up.ac.za