A proud moment: Looking back: Mussa Hajat, Footwear Centre
Published: 22nd Apr 2021

Blantyre, Malawi - Mussa Hajat, founder of Footwear Centre, is pictured above receiving an Omega watch from Bata Rhodesia MD, Dr Fiksel, at Bata's head office in Gwelo, in 1957.
He started work with Bata in 1950 as a salesman in Bata's Blantyre shop, and rose to become sales manager of all Bata's retail shops in Nyasaland. He finally left Bata after 19 years of service and opened Footwear Centre in Blantyre on January 1, 1969. His son, Rafiq, who sent in this photo, now runs the business.
Footwear Industry Articles
- Challenges in the global footwear market amid economic strainDiscussions in Hong Kong: At a recent network session with fellow Footwear Council members from a few other countries while at the APLF, the topic for discussion revolved around the almost flat line and dip seen in manufacturing and exports with no significant increase.Of course, the likes of India and a few others commented on thing ...moreA ‘mouse’, who was in every way outsized - Obituary: Tony Jelinski – Everflex Manufacturing (19/10/1945-16/03/2025)Tony Jelinski – who was also known as Mighty Mouse and whose personality, friendships and business acumen were a lot bigger than the biggest mouse you have ever seen.Due to my age of 84, I am the dinosaur of the partners of the PMC Group, of which Everflex, Tony’s sphere, was such a big part.I was responsible for getting Tony ...moreMasterplan at a halt – for now, anywayCape Town, W. Cape, SA – The R-CTFL Masterplan – at its most visible level – has come to a halt.The government-funded contract for the project co-ordinators, B&M Analysts (BMA), ended at the end of last year, and has thus far not been renewed.That has meant that the weekly and monthly PMO meetings, the interface betw ...more
Leather Industry Articles
- Transforming the leather sector in EthiopiaA new leather processing programme, 42 new enterprises, 22 women's saving groups, and 2,876 young people with enhanced business development capacities—these are just some of the achievements within The Leather Initiative for Sustainable Employment Creation (LISEC).The three-and-a-half-year Leather Initiative for Sustainable Employme ...moreREGENERATIVE AGRICULTURETanners should try to source their hides from farmers who are practising sustainable farming techniques ...moreSATEO’s Mark Oosthuizen to step downPort Elizabeth, E. Cape, SA – Mark Oosthuizen, the long-serving secretary and legal counsel to the SA Tanning Employers’ Organisation (SATEO), has retired.In an email, he wrote: “Yes, I can confirm that after much soul searching and medical advice, I have come to realize that I am not in position to give my clients the s ...more
PPE Industry Articles
- Mine deaths in SA ‘lowest ever’ in 2024Extract from the release of 2024 mine health and safety statistics by Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources, Gwede Mantashe, on 23 January 2025. ...moreA guide for SA employers in understanding the COIDA Act and Reintegration PolicyCape Town, W. Cape, SA (24 February 2025) – South African employers are grappling with significant new responsibilities introduced by the Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act (COIDA) and the draft Rehabilitation, Reintegration, and Return to Work Regulations. Published on 15 June 2023, these regulations are poised ...moreSouth Africa’s first safety escape room for hands-on health and safety trainingSouth Africa's first safety escape room was set up at Phalaborwa Mining Company (PMC) in November last year by health and safety solutions provider KBC.“We required a fresh approach to training,” said Mabore Macheru, Manager in Training Development and Contractor Management at PMC. “This offers an interactive and practic ...more
© S&V Publications