Gauteng revives clothing and textile manufacturing sector

Once a cornerstone of South Africa’s manufacturing sector, the clothing, textile, leather and footwear (CTLF) industry has historically provided employment to thousands, particularly women and those with limited access to formal education.

But over time it has faced mounting challenges – from global competition and an influx of cheap imports and counterfeit goods to limited access to finance and ageing manufacturing infrastructure.

These pressures have resulted in factory closures, job losses and declining competitiveness across the value chain.

The industry is however receiving renewed attention in Gauteng.

Through its High Impact Partnership Delivery Model, the Gauteng Department of Economic Development is addressing these structural challenges by combining skills development, enterprise support and market access into one coordinated intervention.

The initiative forms part of the department’s broader strategy to drive inclusive industrialisation, rebuild local production capacity and create sustainable economic opportunities through structured partnerships with industry and training institutions.

At the centre of this effort is the CTLF Sector Development Programme – a structured three-year initiative aligned with the national Retail-Clothing, Textile, Leather and Footwear Master Plan.

Skills development

The first year focuses on training 50 unemployed youth in textile, leather and footwear manufacturing.

The 12-month learnership – being run at the Ekurhuleni Artisans and Skills Training College (Eastc) Technocentric Varsity in Pretoria – combines a 120-credit theoretical qualification with practical training and workplace exposure.

“We are teaching them basic sewing skills, starting with cutting, measuring, and creating patterns,” says Gontse Selwana, who oversees the programme at the training facility.

“We then move into leather, where we teach them to make handbags, wallets, and belts.

“Lastly, we cover footwear, including both sandals and formal shoes.”

Selwana says previous cohorts have demonstrated strong results: “After workplace learning, employers have approached us, willing to absorb some of the learners because of their strong theoretical foundation and work ethic.”

An actual pathway to independence

For many participants, the programme represents more than training, it is a pathway to independence and entrepreneurship.

Learner Lathitha Ngqoshana says the programme has already changed her outlook: “During this learnership, I learned basic sewing skills. After completing this learnership, I plan to open my own business focused on bridal wear.”

Then there’s Thabitha Magolego: “I came to this learnership with no prior sewing experience, but now I can cut fabric and operate the machine.

“I hope to one day open my own boutique and build a huge brand like David Tlale and Victoria Beckham,” she adds.

“Once I complete this programme, I plan to start sewing from home while building my client base.”

Focus on broader ecosystem and access to markets

The second year supports 30 township-based manufacturers by improving production quality, competitiveness and operational capacity, while the final phase focuses on securing off-take agreements and encouraging procurement commitments from both public and private sector buyers – ensuring that local production translates into real market demand.

Market access has already become a central pillar of the department’s High Impact Partnership Delivery Model.

A Market Access Workshop held in October 2024 connected micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to digital retail platforms – including Takealot – helping businesses tap into national online markets and expand beyond traditional storefronts.

The next edition of the workshop is scheduled for this year and will focus on counterfeit awareness – a persistent issue undermining local manufacturers and eroding brand value within the industry.

Partnership-driven approach pivotal

“Revitalising the CTLF sector requires more than policy; it requires coordinated action across skills development, enterprise support and market access,” says Goitsione Motloung, Gauteng’s chief director for Sector and Industry Development.

“Through the High Impact Partnership Delivery Model, we are building a competitive and inclusive value chain that empowers young people, strengthens township manufacturers, and restores local production capacity.”

While the CTLF industry continues to face structural challenges, Gauteng’s integrated partnership model signals a shift toward practical implementation and measurable outcomes.

By linking training directly to enterprise development and procurement reform, the province is rebuilding confidence in local manufacturing.

For the 50 young people currently sharpening their skills in Pretoria, this project is more than a government programme – it is a concrete example of how high-impact partnerships can translate policy into opportunity, and strategy into sustainable livelihoods.

Brought to you by the Gauteng Department of Economic Development.

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