On behalf of the Southern Africa SLTC, we are pleased to invite your corporation to our yearly SLTC conference that will take place on the 26 to 28 May 2017.

        The conference is held yearly to present all aspects that influence the leather industry and offer a networking environment between tanneries and suppliers. This year we have secured papers from first-time speakers Prof Gerrie Swan of the Exotic Leather Cluster and David Ford of the SA Feedlot Association. We also have a paper by the president of the UK SLTC – and old friend of the Southern African leather industry - Steve Trantum, and we have papers by overseas speakers from chemical houses. We are also securing a speaker from a leading tannery machinery manufacturer.

        We would be delighted if you, or any of your management or technicians, can join us during this event.

        The event will be held at La Wiida Lodge, 183 Hennopsriver, R511, Hennopsriver Valley, Pretoria, 0026.

        Please contact our secretary, Nicky Phipps, for details. – [nphipps@telkomsa.net]

Morné Howell, Afro-Thai Imports
Port Edward (SA) – On Tuesday last week I put out my price list for the year – now we might have to revisit some of them. We were very upbeat – we still are – about our range, but the economy will contract if the Rand keeps falling. We’re more concerned about the end consumer – right now people won’t go out and shop as freely as they would have done a week ago.

        Last year it was most volatile over December and January. This year the currency was stable over the critical period, which makes you look at your margins, costings and forward cover to cut where you can because retail is so tough. This next week will be as exciting as last week. 

Roger Zeino, Branded Footwear & Clothing Co
Cape Town (SA) – As things stand at around the R13.50 to USD, it’s an acceptable rate. During various stages of 2016 the currency was at far worse levels. Everyone is currently in the same boat, and I think as long as we don’t see the value depreciate to beyond 15 to USD we should be able to manage. Once we start breaking that threshold, we need to raise prices aggressively, which will having damaging consequences  as there is a limit to what the consumer can afford to, or is willing to pay for technical gear.

Clive Wood, Crown Footwear Group
Pinetown (SA) – We costed at R13.50, so we should be alright. But of course we don’t know where it will go. It was over R14 not so long ago.

Ridwaan Moola, Dolce Vita division of Foot Focus
Durban (SA) – "The volatility does affect all importers and creates a negative mindset. However, at the Foot Focus group, we strive to add value to the retailer in terms of product and pricing which in turn benefits the consumer and we will continue to connect retail and trends and give guidance to our retailers in these tough trading times.”