CAPE TOWN, June 12 (NNN-SANEWS) — The clothing and textile sector has a critical role to play in South Africa’s economic recovery and re-industrialisation efforts, says Trade, Industry and Competition Deputy Minister Andrew Whitfield.
He was addressing the Annual General Meeting and 20-year anniversary of the Cape Clothing and Textile Cluster held at UVU Africa in Cape Town.
Whitfield highlighted some key targets of the government which are aimed at revitalising the South African economy. Among these is the creation of 100,000 new direct jobs in manufacturing, a 4.1% growth in manufacturing exports and a 3% average annual Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth during the current term of government.
He said that under the Government of National Unity, the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (dtic) is advancing a bold, coordinated industrial strategy – one the builds real momentum behind inclusive economic growth and job creation.
However, government alone cannot achieve sector revitalisation.
This, according to Whitfield, requires collaboration with key stakeholders, through platforms such as clusters, on factory floors, in skills development hubs, and within local ecosystems that are solving problems and scaling practical solutions every day.
“The Cape Clothing and Textile Cluster (CCTC) is not just a regional initiative; it is a catalyst. Through shared services, coordinated skills training, and supplier development, this cluster is helping to build a stronger, more competitive, and more sustainable industry from the ground up.
“It is strengthening local supply chains, enhancing productivity, and enabling firms, large and small, to respond to global market demands with agility and innovation,” he said.
He said that working with all its key partners through the Retail–Clothing Textile Footwear Leather Master Plan, government is committed to doing the work necessary to deal with the trade imbalance that has resulted in the staggering 223% rise of imports within the sector.
“We must boost export capacity, focusing on quality, reliability, and compliance, to reach key global markets with premium finished goods. We need to be ready, on standards, on delivery, on traceability.
“And we must shift from being exporters of raw input to suppliers of premium, finished product. The road ahead is clear, and the groundwork is already in place.
“Through collaboration, innovation, and continued investment in people and partnerships, we can ensure that this sector not only survives but thrives.” — NNN-SANEWS
