Durban, South Africa – Global supply chains are still recovering from the disruptions
caused by the pandemic, leaving industries worldwide grappling with delays,
shortages, and shifting production dynamics. However, for South Africa’s Clothing,
Textile, Footwear and Leather sector (CTFL), these challenges have unearthed a
valuable opportunity. Faced with the unpredictability of international supply chains,
local production and onshoring have become more than just a preference – it’s a
strategy for resilience and sustainability. Local is no longer just lekker; it’s essential.
A 2024 industry analysis confirms that these challenges have led major South
African retailers to double down on domestic sourcing, sparking increased
investment in local manufacturing capacity. With global instability continuing to affect
shipping costs and timelines, localisation isn’t just a feel-good concept – it’s a
serious business strategy with measurable impact.
In fact, according to Kyle Ballard, Head of SME Development for the KwaZulu-Natal
Clothing & Textile Cluster (KZNCTC), localisation in South Africa’s CTFL sector has
grown by an impressive 58% since 2019 – a clear, quantifiable shift that continues
to gain momentum. “It’s not often you hear about Woolworths, Mr Price, TFG, and
Pepkor Speciality in the same sentence,” says Ballard, “but when it comes to driving
transformation in South Africa’s CTFL economy, they’re united by a shared goal.”
These five leading retailers – Woolworths, Mr Price Group (Apparel and Sport), TFG
and Pepkor Speciality – are all signatories of the Retail-Clothing, Textile, Footwear
and Leather (R-CTFL) Master Plan, a national strategy designed to revitalise the
sector, create jobs, and build stronger, more inclusive value chains. And that’s where
the KZNCTC Accelerator comes in. Now in its third iteration, the SME Accelerator –
supported by the eThekwini Municipality’s Economic Development Programmes
Unit – is a practical and proven platform helping small manufacturers with market
access, standards upgrading and capital investment interventions to scale their
business.
Through the Accelerator, participating SMEs are connected directly with these
leading retail customers who are actively looking for strategic suppliers to localise
their supply chains. Businesses receive expert support to develop their capabilities,
meet customer requirements, and unlock significant commercial opportunities.
Nelisiwe Magubane, Programme Manager for CTFL at the eThekwini
Municipality, says: “The SME Accelerator is a great example of how public-private
partnerships can drive impact on the ground. When government and industry work
together, we create real opportunities for small businesses to participate
meaningfully in the economy.”
What’s in Demand – and Who Should Apply
Applications for the 2025 KZNCTC Accelerator are now open, and this year’s
participating retailers are seeking suppliers with specific capabilities in:
Ladies and men’s outerwear
Babywear
Legwear and hosiery
Leather goods and accessories
Grass bag and accessory suppliers
Technical sports shoes
Denim
We encourage all small businesses in the CTFL sector to apply if you’re:
A South African-owned manufacturing business
51% or more Black-owned
Have an annual turnover of R50 million or less
Are CIPC registered, tax compliant, and have been operating for at least 2
years
Ready to offer products or services to large retail customers and scale
your business
Remember, this isn’t just about exposure. It’s about building sustainable
relationships that could shift your business trajectory and help shape the future of
local clothing, textile, footwear and leather manufacturing in South Africa.
Applications close on 14 April 2025 so if you’re ready to grow your business,
apply now: �� https://zfrmz.com/dl6SbUygx8sUWPNgGd9P
ENDS
WORD COUNT: 561
Disseminated by:
Thulisile Mhlongo
PR Account Executive
Say, Watt
071 326 9830
On Behalf of:
Kyle Ballard
Head of SME Development at KZNCTC
Tel: 031 764 6100