South African textile industry, which has been at a dismal state for the last two decades, is now being considered as a “high priority” sector by the South African Government’s New Industrial Policy Action Plan owing to its labour-intensive character. According to the Southern African Clothing and Textile Workers’ Union (SACTWU) apparel and textile industry is entering a period of greater stability and a higher level of growth.
The Statistics SA Quarterly Employment Survey released this week reveals that over the last 12 months – between September 2014 and September 2015 – employment in the CTFL (Clothing, Textile, Footwear and Leather) industry has increased by 1.8%. This was driven by growth in the clothing sector (676 new jobs), textile sector (1,197 new jobs) and the leather sector (268 new jobs).
Much of this development in the sector has been attributed to the concerted efforts by SACTWU’s ‘Save Job Campaign’ and the South African Government’s support measures since 2009. “Significantly, this is the second consecutive quarter that employment in our industry has grown, following the 3% increase recorded in the previous quarter,” said Andre Kriel, General Secretary, SACTWU.
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Johann Baard, Executive Director of the Cape Clothing Association adds, “The sector had established because of the Government’s support measures, that had led to greater competitiveness and improved productivity mainly due to the installation of new plant, equipment and machinery along with the exchange rate, that have served as a growing disincentive for retailers to source off shore.”
