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
- Ken Riches: Reflections on an extraordinary life: Those who can, do – those who can do it even better, teach
It’s been 18 years this month since Ken Riches died. Here is a glimpse into what lay under that fairly protective exterior.Ken Riches, one of our country’s true footwear experts, passed peacefully on to that final production line in the sky on 11 August 2008. He had lived through the rapidly changing times from just after the ...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 ...moreThe showroom pair is not the orderA shoe on a showroom table is wonderfully persuasive. A buyer can flex the forefoot, press the heel counter, check the stitching, compare the two shoes and turn the pair over to examine the sole. Colour, finish and hand feel are all there to judge.The purchase order may then reduce that pair to a short line: one style number, one colour d ...more
Leather Industry Articles
- Nigeria’s Leather Industry: Not a clear picture
Nigeria is widely accepted as having a very large livestock population, but a relatively small tanning industry, much of it concentrated in Kano, producing high grade goat- and sheepskin crust which is exported for finishing elsewhere for use in garments.Recent articles cast some doubt on this, so are Nigeria’s hides and skins: M ...moreSADC 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. ...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 ...more
PPE Industry Articles
- New OHS regulations coming into force later this year mean PPE needs to be reviewed, too
In March 2025, the Physical Agents Regulations (and their guidelines) and the Noise Exposure Regulations (and their guidelines) of the OHSAct were published, with an 18-month time-period promulgation date to September 2026, allowing employers time to upgrade their Health & Safety requirements to comply with the new published regulatio ...moreObituary: Colin Battle, agent (17/04/1957-27/07/2026): Our sales trips were a whole life experience
Dearest Lee, Greg & Sammy,I send my sincerest condolences & wishes of long and healthy lives to all of you, after the passing of your beloved Colin. I’ve no doubt that once the pain of losing an adored husband and father starts to subside, you will be left the glorious memories of your lives together with a most wonderful an ...moreFurther controls over the import of safety footwear are on the wayOn 03 August 2026, the Safety Footwear Working Group, led by SAFLIA, submitted a request to Minister Tau (dtic) for interim import control measures in respect of specified safety footwear. The request was strongly supported by organised labour and other industry stakeholders.The application was further strengthened by contributions f ...more
