Comment: The idiocy of Level 4 and 'winter footwear'
Published: 13th May 2020
As of Monday, there has been no further clarification of what constitutes 'winter footwear' in terms of lockdown regulations.
Last week saw a flurry of communication between the various associations and organisations in the leather value chain seeking to define categories of footwear which will be acceptable to the National Coronavirus Command Council, which has said that retailers may sell, manufacturers may make and (presumably) importers may supply winter footwear.
Winter footwear?
What I saw were various convoluted definitions, such as 'winter' sports shoes (despite the fact that it appears there will be no sport allowed for a long time, and certainly not for the winter), to try to make the definition as broad as possible, and to include some leather goods. In the end, the suggested list submitted to government was apparently quite straightforward, although I haven't seen it.
I don't blame the associations for trying to make the list as comprehensive as possible, for tanneries, footwear and leather goods manufacturers, and, whether they like it or not, for all those importers who are sitting on stock and who would also like ongoing business in future.
But frankly, the sum total of all this effort will be to create lists which the police - who are NOT experts in anything to do with leather, footwear or leather goods - will have to enforce. It will create confusion. It will criminalise people who are not criminals in any real sense of the word. It will waste police time. Above all, it will create yet more confusion, and all for no reason at all.
Please tell me what earthly difference it makes to the fight against the virus WHAT leather, shoes or leather goods anyone makes or sells? It is up to the DTIC - not to Director: Leather & Footwear, Dr Jaywant Irkhede, who has been trying his best to keep the industry alive, but to his Minister, who is a member of the NCCC, and has a background in the CTFL sector, and who should know better - to tell the dictatorial NCCC just that.
Sadly, if that body's response to other bans is anything to go by, it appears to be reacting with petulant stubbornness, not good sense.
Footwear Industry Articles
- National Leather and General Goods Strategy WorkshopOn 23 June, following months of fieldwork, B&M Analysts (BMA) hosted an online workshop to discuss the recovery of the handbags, belts, travel goods and allied manufacturing industries in SA.The industries, although very diverse, fall under the General Goods & Handbags Sector of the National Bargaining Council of the Leather Indus ...moreTshepo opens new store at Mall of Africa
Johannesburg, Gauteng, SA (02 June 2026) — South African fashion brand Tshepo has opened its second store at Mall of Africa.Tshepo, founded by Tshepo Mohlala in Victoria Yards 10 years ago, specialises in locally made denim jeans.“Victoria Yards remains central to Tshepo's identity, serving as the bran ...moreBova Socks: The PPE layer that works inside the boot
In demanding work environments, safety footwear plays a critical role in helping workers manage workplace risks. However, the sock worn inside the boot also influences comfort, hygiene, fit and overall performance throughout the shift. This makes Bova’s sock range an essential part of a complete PPE solution.Bova high-performance so ...more
Leather Industry Articles
- SADC Leather Forum unites 16 member states to strengthen the regional leather industry
The Southern African Development Community’s Regional Leather Forum met in Durban, South Africa, in August. Nerisha Jairaj and Jacob Nyathi explain different aspects. ...moreFifteen million sheep in the UK to share among shearersAccording to the UK government, its sheep population decreased over the past year by 1.7% but that still leaves a flock of over 30 million. For comparison, the domestic flock in South Africa numbers about 21 million and New Zealand has some 23 million. Australia, with more than 70 million, has a wool clip of approximately 325,000 tonnes. ...moreZimbabwe Leather Development Council lobbies for Government contracts
The Zimbabwe Leather Development Council (ZLDC) is lobbying policymakers to open up public procurement contracts to local leather manufacturers, arguing that Government contracts are essential to reviving the country’s struggling leather value chain.Speaking on the sidelines of the Zimbabwe Industrialisation Conference and Expo (ZIC ...more
PPE Industry Articles
- Protecting the workforce: The critical role of PPE
Personal protective equipment (PPE) is utilised in a work-environment as part of a larger prevention plan, because on its own protection is limited and may even provide a false sense of protection.An occupational disease prevention plan must be an actionable approach that identifies workplace health hazards, evaluates exposure, and i ...moreMore precise fire extinguishing from the air using simulation and sensor data
Wildfires are becoming more frequent and more intense worldwide. Fires often become infernos due to heat, drought and wind, especially in the summer. The problem is compounded by the climate crisis. Researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute for Industrial Mathematics ITWM and the startup CAURUS Technologies GmbH are responding to this growi ...moreChina-made firefighting equipment now needs verification of conformity with SANS standardsPretoria, Gauteng, SA – Firefighting equipment is among the 25 product categories published on 01 April by the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition for a mandatory Pre-Export Verification of Conformity (PVoC) Programme.The system will require certain goods shipped from China to be tested and certified before they enter the ...more
© S&V Publications
