Local manufacturing: The problem starts with consumer attitudes

Durban, KZN, SA - In the last issue you had an article from proudly South African focusing on job creation. Unfortunately, it will not work if government doesn’t get involved and start cleaning up the illegal imports and fakes that are sold for billions of rand that are affecting manufacturers and retailers who work by the book.
      Over the last few years, most of the independent retailers who used to support local manufacturers closed because they couldn’t compete with the foreign nationals who operate businesses. These guys don’t pay taxes, none of their workers are registered etc., so look at the advantages they have against us.
      Why don’t SARS and labour officials do their jobs instead of only worrying those that are registered and battling to survive?
      The other big irony: Locals are crying for jobs, but they support these guys (the people selling fakes). Last week I stood at the entrance of my factory watching my workers coming in. Of the 140 people, only about 5 were wearing local footwear. More education needs to be given to the general public on the impact of not buying ‘made in China’. I pray we get the days back when the shoe industry employed 48000 workers compared to the 8000 that we currently employ.