The Clothing and Textile Industry in South Africa Has Stabilized to a High Degree

The clothing and textile industry in South Africa has stabilized to a high degree, after showing growth in recent years, according to Minister of Trade and Industry Rob Davies.

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has undertaken a programme to visit factories in order to promote manufacturing. As a part of the programme Minister Davies visited the House of Monatic factory in Salt River, Cape Town.

About five years ago, the House of Monatic factory was on the brink of shutting down. However, DTI intervened and extended R30 million support over a five-year period. As a result, about 800 jobs were saved.

After his visit to the factory, Mr. Davies said the House of Monatic received DTI support, and the company acquired new machinery, which enabled the cutting operation to take place much more competitively and much more accurately than before, South African Government News Agency reported.

After acquiring new sewing machines, the company is now producing uniforms for South African Airways (SAA) cabin staff.

Minister Davies said the South African Government is committed to protecting the country’s textile and clothing sector. He informed that the Government had contributed R645 million to the sector through the Competitiveness Improvement Programme.

The Minister said the growth witnessed by the clothing and textile sector in recent years has led to stabilization of the industry and establishment of 11 new companies in South Africa.

In addition to the enterprise level support programs, the DTI supported the National Fashion Council to the tune of R33 million, and the cotton cluster to the tune of R120 million, Mr. Davies said.