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 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).

Among the manufacturer comments

Allimor Footwear: Rolenta Marimuthoo

Rolenta Marimuthoo, Allimor
The engagement was good. I filled in a supplier application for TFG and showed samples to TFG, Pep and Ackermans. Now I wait for feedback and a response.
Most definitely there should be more shows like this. I think SAFLIA should put pressure on retailers to support local manufacturers. We need to have more ‘Made in SA’ products in stores. At the moment all we see is ‘Made in China’.

BBF Safety Group (from left): Salona Bhugwantdeen, Reimandt Gouws and Alex Busfy.

Bolton Footwear (from left): Noel Whitehead, Penny Koenig and Kamal Gunpath.

Tavonga Gonyora, Dick Whittington Shoes
Dick Whittington Shoes was honoured to participate in the recent Retailer & Manufacturer Engagement hosted by SAFLIA and supported by ILO, DTIC, SAFLEC and other industry stakeholders as part of the South African RCTFL Master Plan.
The engagement provided a valuable platform for open dialogue, collaboration, and the sharing of ideas between manufacturers, retailers, and industry stakeholders. Initiatives such as these are essential in strengthening partnerships, improving local competitiveness, and driving the sustainable growth of South Africa’s footwear industry.
We commend SAFLIA for bringing the industry together and creating an environment where constructive engagement can take place. We are optimistic that the discussions will translate into meaningful action and positive outcomes that support local manufacturing, create employment opportunities, and reinforce the long-term success of the Master Plan.
Together, we can continue building a stronger, more resilient South African footwear industry.

Dick Whittington Shoes (from left): Nardesh Lalbeharee, Tavonga Gonyora.

EVA Industries (from left): Reevani Govender, Michelle Thorne, and Trevor Lottering.

Brandon Geyser, EVA Industries
We were very pleased to be able to showcase our products at this event and it was great to see other manufacturers doing the same. Having the retailers show an interest in the event was very encouraging but whether this will have any direct benefit to any of us, is yet to be seen. Ultimately it comes down to pricing, and our ongoing challenge remains to be competitive against non-compliant manufacturers and cheap imports. The staff at the show, Reevani Govender, Michelle Thorne and Trevor Lottering, expressed their enjoyment of the day and their hope to see similar events again in the future

Froggie Footwear: Linda Trinkies.

Hopewell Footwear (from left): Kenneth Samanathan, Voden Wearne.

Voden Wearne, Hopewell Footwear
We didn’t get any new orders on the day or since, but we are making up some samples and prototypes for Cape Union Mart, which was the chain we wanted to see – we used to supply them a long time ago.
They came to the factory, and I think they were impressed. We’ll have to see what comes of it, and we know that growth won’t come overnight, but we are positive.
What gave me a lot of hope was seeing SAFLIA, SAFLEC and the DTIC working together. It’s the most positive thing I’ve seen in terms of the R-CTFL Masterplan to date involving the retail buyers and manufacturers under one roof.
I would support more shows like this. I think a lot of retailers were surprised at what can be made locally. Price is always an issue, but I think in leather footwear, we can be competitive and as an industry we have a lot to offer, if we work together with retail as partners.

Palm Footwear (from left): Rtayu Pattundeen, Afika Mzulwini, and Natashia Singh.

Gareth Crouch, Jim Green Footwear
It did help. Looks like we will open one new account which is a success.

Natashia Singh, Palm Footwear
The retail buyer engagement was useful. We managed to get some strong leads and are hoping for new business relationships soon.

The Little Slipper Company: Jacky Hay.

Jacky Hay, The Little Slipper Company
From our perspective, the event was definitely worthwhile. We had positive discussions with two retailers – one interested in our slipper range and another in our children's footwear – and we're hopeful those conversations will lead to opportunities. Even if they don't, we've opened the door to new relationships, and that's what this programme was all about.
What impressed me most was how quickly the event came together and the quality of the engagement.
It proved that when the SAFLIA, SAFLEC, DTIC, the ILO, retailers, and manufacturers all sit around the same table with a common goal, real progress can be made.
I hope this is just the beginning. The footwear industry has always been strongest when retailers and manufacturers work together, sharing ideas, solving challenges, and growing the industry as partners. If we can continue building on the momentum from this event, I believe there is a real opportunity to strengthen local manufacturing and create long-term value for everyone involved.