Manufacturer-buyer event: Results still to be tallied, but broad enthusiasm for more
The panel discussion (from left): Ilhaam Ryneveld (National Bargaining Council of the Leather Industry), Natasha Pearce (Messe Frankfurt SA), Unathi Sizani (Pep), Jacky Hay (The Little Slipper Co.), Dimakatso Moji (DTIC), Nerisha Jairaj (SAFLEC).
The 2-day Retail Buyer Engagement & Manufacturer Onboarding Programme on 01 and 02 July was part of an effort to kickstart the R-CTFL Masterplan – which, from a footwear perspective at least, has appeared stalled.
It was sponsored by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and implemented through the R-CTFL Masterplan Footwear Task Team by the Southern African Footwear & Leather Industries Association (SAFLIA), the SA Footwear & Leather Export Council (SAFLEC), and the Department of Trade, Industry & Competition (DTIC).
Its objectives were to:
- Improve supplier readiness for retail onboarding.
- Facilitate direct retailer-manufacturer connections.
- Enhance domestic value chains through strategic collaboration.
- Support the R-CTFL Masterplan’s vision for a competitive, resilient and inclusive footwear industry.
It started with “a speed-dating style B2B engagement” – actually a small trade show with around a dozen exhibitors and perhaps half as many retail chains – followed by a panel discussion, and on the second day, a series of factory visits.
A couple of aspects were striking:
- There were lots and lots of sneakers on show – styling not commonly associated with local manufacturing.
- Enthusiasm and optimism among the exhibitors, curiosity and interest among the visitors.
The footwear manufacturing industry has been in decline over a long period – if not just in pairs, then in component infrastructure, skills and product diversity. The current Masterplan is not the first one, but like its predecessor, it doesn’t appear to have delivered much.
This programme differed from other initiatives in bringing together some manufacturers and some chains and a lot of enthusiasm. Hopefully, it will be followed by similar initiatives. At a guess, there will be relatively minor business done on the strength of it. But, to borrow from
Winston Churchill, speaking after the Battle of Britain: “Now this is not the end (of the manufacturing industry’s troubles). It is not even the beginning of the end. But it is, perhaps, the end of the beginning.”
- Manufacturer-buyer event: Among the manufacturer comments
The 2-day Retail Buyer Engagement & Manufacturer Onboarding Programme on 01 and 02 July was part of an effort to kickstart the R-CTFL Masterplan – which, from a footwear perspective at least, has appeared stalled.It was sponsored by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and implemented through the R-CTFL Masterplan Footwea ...moreManufacturer-buyer event: Among the retailer commentsKim Cunniffe, Kingsmead ShoesOur buyers found some suppliers they were unaware of, and a few possibilities in terms of product. We haven’t yet taken this forward, but we will do so.Hassen Ismail, Fashion WorldIt was more-or-less what you expect of local manufacturing in terms of styling, quality, and price.We have asked for samples. ...more
Footwear Industry Articles
- Tshepo 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 ...moreManufacturer-buyer event: Among the retailer commentsKim Cunniffe, Kingsmead ShoesOur buyers found some suppliers they were unaware of, and a few possibilities in terms of product. We haven’t yet taken this forward, but we will do so.Hassen Ismail, Fashion WorldIt was more-or-less what you expect of local manufacturing in terms of styling, quality, and price.We have asked for samples. ...moreObituary: Joe McGinley, Conshu (14/04/1936-20/05/2026) He ran an empire, but kept a human touch
Somerset West, W. Cape, SA – Joseph Pascal McGinley, the former Conshu director who died in May, a month after his 90th birthday, was a larger-than-life character who was renowned during his career in SA for his kindness, and who lived life to the full.Born in Letterkenny, Donegal, Ireland, to Joseph and Madeline McGinley, both doct ...more
Leather Industry Articles
- Fifteen 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. ...moreWhen communication moves faster than truth: Why credible, evidence-based information matters more than ever.We have never had more information at our fingertips. We have also never had to work quite so hard to determine which information we should trust. Communication today moves at extraordinary speed. Social media platforms, digital news, corporate communications, industry reports and, increasingly, artificial intelligence allow information t ...moreThe leather value chain offers opportunities for all SADC countriesThe Southern African Regional Leather Network (SARLEN) and the SADC Leather Forum present a great opportunity for the development of the leather value chains (LVCs) in all or most SADC states, whose LVCs are at different stages of development.in Zimbabwe we already have a well-structured LVC coordinated by an apex body, the Zimbabwe Leath ...more
PPE Industry Articles
- China-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 ...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 ...moreBiodegradable disposable gloves ‘a growing trend’ in PPE
The poster is available to download in English in both PNG and PDF formats hereCompostable and biodegradable PPE are said to be rapidly growing trends internationally, lead by brands like Showa and HaPPE Earth.The nova-Institut für politische und ökologische Innovation GmbH in Hürth, Germany, has published an updated versio ...more
