S&V Weekly Newsletter Vol.11 No.28, July 14 2025
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Retail
Upgrade prompts Adidas, Nike to return to Mike’s Sports
Cape Town, W. Cape, SA - Mike’s Sports – 76 this year and with a fourth generation Augoustides family member, Luka, in the management team – will officially reopen its store within a month. In fact, the revamped, 2-floor, 350 m² store has been trading since May, but the event will coincide with the return to the shelves of Adidas and Nike, which withdrew from Mike’s – along with many other independent retailers – shortly after COVID 19.
Their return – at their own initiative – was prompted by several factors, partner Mike Augoustides said.
“The store upgrade had a lot to do with it,” he said, “but the business has also evolved. Replica gear has grown in a big way.”
The store has moved to ‘the fan mile’, a stretch of Waterkant Street leading up to the Cape Town Stadium, walked by thousands of fans on their way to rugby and soccer matches.
Also, Mike’s carries a wide range of local and international replica gear from a dozen brands. Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates gear will be in stock this month, and Liverpool jerseys in August.
It still makes its own team kits, which it supplies to teams nationally, but most growth has been on the branded side. Wholesale – once a major part of the business – has shrunk to “a handful” of customers in SA, Namibia and Botswana.
Mike’s has placed its orders with Adidas and Nike up to July next year.
‘Parents struggling’
Graham Butler, Ekspa/Adno’s
Benoni, Gauteng, SA – As school wear specialists, we can definitely feel that people are struggling.
For term 3, in terms of sportswear, we’re selling mostly cricket and hockey apparel and equipment, and the sales are definitely a bit down on last year.
Manufacturing
Footwear sector settles wage agreement – finally
Ilhaam Ryneveld, general secretary, National Bargaining Council of the Leather Industry of SA
Durban, KZN, SA – Kindly be informed that the parties to the Footwear Section have concluded their annual negotiations for 2025 as follows:
1. Wages and Wage Rates
(i) With effect from 1 July 2025, the basic wage on all prescribed operations shall be increased by 5.5%.
(ii) Wage increase must be backdated to 1 July 2025.
2. Agency Shop Agreement (Employees)
A recommendation will be made to the Bargaining Council to increase the maximum amount of Agency Fee from R23.55 to R25.20.
3. Supplementary Sick Benefit Fund
The Supplementary Sick Benefit Fund Agreement setting out the details thereof, is attached as Annexure A to this collective agreement, and will be submitted to the Minister of Employment and Labour for gazettal and extension to non-parties.
4. Rate of Pay for Hyster / Forklift Driver
The wage rate for a Hyster/ forklift driver will be incorporated under Annexure D of the wage schedule to read as follows:
D(v) other including Hyster / forklift driver Column A Per Week - R2523.57
5. Footwear Task Team
The Bargaining Council will facilitate meetings with the parties to consider the following:
(i) Modernisation of the Footwear Sector Collective Agreement
(ii) Short-Time
(iii) Fixed Term Employment
(iv) Scope of Application
(v) Footwear Classification Criteria
6. Other
All conditions of employment not expressly altered by the settlement agreement shall remain in full force and effect.
The above constitutes a full and final settlement of the 2025 wage negotiations and becomes effect from 1 July 2025.
They Said It
"I was amused by your ‘They said it’ and your comment. I keep all greetings cards and recently I went through all those that I sent to my husband. In every single one I have said, ‘It’s been a difficult year.’ Unbelievable. Perhaps that’s the point; all our years are supposed to be filled with challenges of one nature or another, and we should appreciate them. In retrospect I wouldn’t have had it any other way." - Anonymous, somewhere south of the Sahara.
"I’m good, business is crap." - Zaks Mayet, Jozi Footwear, Johannesburg, Gauteng, SA.
Got anything you'd like to share?
Do you have any suggestions, comments or experiences about the industry that you'd like to share with the industry? - tony@svmag.co.za
New subscribers last week
Prishani Govender, Design & Digital Marketer, Dromex, Durban, South Africa
Adil, Opal, Agra, India
Muneer, Manager, Thread Finesse (Pty) Ltd, South Africa
Birthdays this week
14/07/1959: Ernie Wallis, SHEQ Safety, Randfontein, Gauteng, SA.
14/07/1969: Veronica Clausen (nee Haupt), Clicka Heels, Johannesburg, Gauteng, SA.
14/07/1971: Laurence Lotzoff, Dale Footwear, Johannesburg, Gauteng, SA.
15/07/1933: Joe Powell, formerly Footwork, Johannesburg, Gauteng, SA, retired to Uvongo, KZN, SA.
15/07/1950: Joram Philip Wakari, agent and retired former director of the Leather Association of Tanzania, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
15/07/1968: Freddy S. Kabala, Leather Association of Tanzania, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
15/07/1971: Philipp Rein, Thurling Investments, Mossel Bay, W. Cape, SA.
16/07/1954: Lex Devlin, emigrated, formerly ACA Threads, Port Elizabeth, E. Cape, SA.
16/07/1956: AR Noorbhai, Razno Agencies, Johannesburg, Gauteng, SA.
16/07/1974: Marisca Ras, The Health Shoe Shop, Pretoria, Gauteng, SA.
17/07/1947: Hennie van der Merwe, retired, formerly, Klein Karoo International, Oudtshoorn, W. Cape, SA.
17/07/1951: Julia Novitzky, La Ricci Leathers, Cape Town, W. Cape, SA.
17/07/1970: Kota Wessels, A.J. Rankin & Basson Sport, Ceres, W. Cape, SA.
17/07/1973: Tanya van Tonder, Inno Textiles, Hammarsdale, KZN, SA.
18/07/1950: Magda Erlank, Me Boutique, Newcastle, KZN, SA.
18/07/1963: Peter Colombo, formerly Hippo Bag & Screen (closed), Cape Town, W. Cape, SA.
18/07/1964: G.H. Omarjee, A.M. Omarjee & Sons/O'Jees, KwaDukuza, KZN, SA.
18/07/1973: Sanjay Bhagwandas, Ginger Bhagwandas Exclusive, Durban, KZN, SA.
18/07/1974: Zunaid Gathoo, Shoe Zone, Sasolburg, Free State, SA.
18/07/1996: Marno Koen, Vellie Boutique, Boksburg, Gauteng, SA.
19/07/1946: Mohamed Iqbal Ahmed, A.V. Mohamed & Sons, Louis Trichardt, Limpopo, SA.
19/07/1967: Fatima Do Tanque, Super Save, Aliwal North, E. Cape, SA.
19/07/1968: Hussein Feyssa, Hafde Tannery, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
19/07/1977: Shantell Sables, Elan Polo, Cape Town, W. Cape, SA.
In memoriam this week
14/07/2021: Willi Angeloch (b. 30/04/1946), Nakara, Windhoek, Namibia.
15/07/2020: Carlo Longano (b. 22/08/1956), Bodynamics Institute [closed], Cape Town, W. Cape, SA.
15/07/2022: Bobby Janki (b. 01/07/1953), Michelle Footwear, Durban, KZN, SA.
15/07/2024: Stephan Berrill (b. 29/03/1956), Jack & Jill Footwear, Port Elizabeth, E. Cape, SA (closed), Paul Moeller & Co., Adidas, Angels Shoes, all Cape Town, W. Cape, SA.
16/07/2004: Frederick (Fred) Howard (b. 16/02/1918), King Tanning Company (closed), King William’s Town, E. Cape, SA.
17/07/1979: Abe Smidt, agent, Bolton Footwear, Johannesburg, Gauteng, SA.
19/07/2024: Bill Ramage (b. 01/05/1931), retired, formerly Apeco (closed), Cape Town, W. Cape, SA.
20/07/????: Ivy Cunningham (b. 16/10/1919), In Step Shoes (closed), Pietermaritzburg, KZN, SA.
Have you let us know about your birthday, or the birthdays of your colleagues? Our readers love this section, so please become part of it. This also applies to the In Memoriam section. Help us remember former colleagues.
Directory entries updated last week
Mike’s Sports, Cape Town, W. Cape, SA.
Qualgold Electroplating cc, Durban, KZN, SA.
Reflex/Impact, Great Brak River, W. Cape, SA.
Vermont Leather (Pty) Ltd, Randburg, Gauteng, SA.
Fairs & events updated last week – see calendar for details
02-05 September 2025: AYMOD Spring/Summer, Istanbul, Turkey.
 
Exchange rates
Note: For previous rates, see HERE
1. SA Rand (ZAR)/Lesotho Loti (LSL)/Namibian Dollar (NAD)/Swazi Lilangeni (SZL)
Source: http://www.x-rates.com/calculator/
| |
Euro € |
GBP £ |
US $ |
CNY ¥ |
| 01/03/2025 |
R19.38 |
R23.50 |
R18.68 |
R 2.56 |
| 08/03/2025 |
R19.73 |
R23.53 |
R18.22 |
R 2.52 |
| 15/03/2025 |
R19.78 |
R23.49 |
R18.16 |
R 2.51 |
| 22/03/2025 |
R19.71 |
R23.54 |
R18.22 |
R 2.51 |
| 29/03/2025 |
R19.88 |
R23.77 |
R18.34 |
R 2.52 |
| 05/04/2025 |
R20.93 |
R24.73 |
R19.10 |
R 2.62 |
| 12/04/2025 |
R21.73 |
R25.03 |
R19.13 |
R 2.62 |
| 18/04/2025 |
R21.44 |
R25.00 |
R18.83 |
R 2.57 |
| 26/04/2025 |
R21.23 |
R24.85 |
R18.65 |
R 2.56 |
| 03/05/2025 |
R20.79 |
R24.42 |
R18.40 |
R 2.53 |
| 10/05/2025 |
R20.47 |
R24.20 |
R18.19 |
R 2.51 |
| 17/05/2025 |
R20.14 |
R23.96 |
R18.04 |
R 2.50 |
| 24/05/2025 |
R20.28 |
R24.12 |
R17.84 |
R 2.48 |
| 02/06/2025 |
R20.42 |
R24.23 |
R17.89 |
R 2.48 |
| 05/06/2025 |
R20.26 |
R24.06 |
R17.78 |
R 2.47 |
| 14/06/2025 |
R20.73 |
R24.35 |
R17.94 |
R 2.49 |
| 21/06/2025 |
R20.75 |
R24.23 |
R18.01 |
R 2.50 |
| 28/06/2025 |
R20.88 |
R24.46 |
R17.82 |
R 2.48 |
| 05/07/2025 |
R20.70 |
R24.00 |
R17.58 |
R 2.45 |
| 12/07/2025 |
R20.93 |
R24.18 |
R17.90 |
R 2.49 |
2. Botswana Pula
Source: http://www.x-rates.com/calculator/
| |
Euro € |
GBP £ |
US $ |
CNY ¥ |
| 01/03/2025 |
14.29 |
17.32 |
13.77 |
1.89 |
| 08/03/2025 |
14.78 |
17.63 |
13.65 |
1.88 |
| 15/03/2025 |
14.83 |
17.62 |
13.62 |
1.88 |
| 22/03/2025 |
14.74 |
17.60 |
13.62 |
1.87 |
| 29/03/2025 |
14.71 |
17.57 |
13.58 |
1.87 |
| 05/04/2025 |
15.17 |
17.92 |
13.85 |
1.90 |
| 12/04/2025 |
15.78 |
18.18 |
13.90 |
1.90 |
| 18/04/2025 |
15.67 |
18.27 |
13.76 |
1.88 |
| 26/04/2025 |
15.67 |
18.33 |
13.77 |
1.89 |
| 03/05/2025 |
15.39 |
18.08 |
13.62 |
1.87 |
| 10/05/2025 |
15.28 |
18.06 |
13.58 |
1.87 |
| 17/05/2025 |
15.11 |
17.98 |
13.54 |
1.87 |
| 24/05/2025 |
15.34 |
18.26 |
13.49 |
1.87 |
| 02/06/2025 |
15.30 |
18.16 |
13.40 |
1.86 |
| 05/06/2025 |
15.28 |
18.15 |
13.41 |
1.86 |
| 14/06/2025 |
15.46 |
18.16 |
13.38 |
1.86 |
| 21/06/2025 |
15.43 |
18.02 |
13.39 |
1.86 |
| 28/06/2025 |
15.60 |
18.27 |
13.31 |
1.85 |
| 05/07/2025 |
15.58 |
18.07 |
13.23 |
1.84 |
| 12/07/2025 |
14.77 |
17.07 |
12.64 |
1.76 |
3. Malawian Kwacha (MWK) (buying)
Source: https://www.rbm.mw/
| |
Euro € |
GBP £ |
US $ |
ZAR |
| 01/03/2025 |
1836.44 |
2224.46 |
1717.02 |
95.68 |
| 08/03/2025 |
1912.31 |
2278.93 |
1717.02 |
97.50 |
| 15/03/2025 |
1917.62 |
2286.82 |
1717.02 |
96.82 |
| 22/03/2025 |
1916.03 |
2286.89 |
1717.02 |
97.27 |
| 29/03/2025 |
1907.36 |
2287.95 |
1717.02 |
97.04 |
| 05/04/2025 |
1956.35 |
2309.52 |
1717.02 |
93.40 |
| 12/04/2025 |
2004.45 |
2308.11 |
1717.02 |
91.33 |
| 18/04/2025 |
2009.58 |
2339.94 |
1717.02 |
93.66 |
| 26/04/2025 |
2006.57 |
2351.62 |
1717.02 |
94.02 |
| 03/05/2025 |
2002.68 |
2353.74 |
1717.02 |
96.02 |
| 10/05/2025 |
1988.00 |
2342.77 |
1717.02 |
97.06 |
| 17/05/2025 |
1983.41 |
2357.10 |
1717.02 |
98.16 |
| 24/05/2025 |
2000.56 |
2377.61 |
1717.02 |
98.49 |
| 02/06/2025 |
2017.01 |
2393.35 |
1717.02 |
98.73 |
| 05/06/2025 |
2022.14 |
2396.01 |
1717.02 |
99.61 |
| 14/06/2025 |
2040.88 |
2395.83 |
1717.02 |
98.50 |
| 21/06/2025 |
2037.88 |
2384.86 |
1717.02 |
98.25 |
| 28/06/2025 |
2070.95 |
2429.43 |
1717.02 |
99.17 |
| 05/07/2025 |
2082.80 |
2416.70 |
1717.02 |
100.70 |
| 12/07/2025 |
2065.11 |
2393.71 |
1717.02 |
99.44 |
4. Zambian Kwacha (ZMW) (buying)
Source: https://www.boz.zm/
| |
Euro € |
GBP £ |
US $ |
ZAR |
| 01/03/2025 |
29.67 |
35.91 |
28.51 |
1.54 |
| 08/03/2025 |
31.07 |
36.95 |
28.59 |
1.57 |
| 15/03/2025 |
31.17 |
37.02 |
28.61 |
1.57 |
| 22/03/2025 |
31.21 |
37.25 |
28.82 |
1.58 |
| 29/03/2025 |
30.80 |
36.95 |
28.55 |
1.57 |
| 05/04/2025 |
30.69 |
36.18 |
27.84 |
1.46 |
| 12/04/2025 |
32.17 |
37.01 |
28.19 |
1.46 |
| 18/04/2025 |
28.42 |
37.65 |
32.29 |
1.51 |
| 26/04/2025 |
31.80 |
37.33 |
28.02 |
1.48 |
| 03/05/2025 |
31.59 |
37.06 |
27.84 |
1.51 |
| 10/05/2025 |
29.81 |
35.19 |
26.47 |
1.45 |
| 17/05/2025 |
30.02 |
35.64 |
26.82 |
1.48 |
| 24/05/2025 |
30.95 |
36.89 |
27.34 |
1.52 |
| 02/06/2025 |
30.13 |
35.83 |
26.59 |
1.48 |
| 05/06/2025 |
28.79 |
34.19 |
25.29 |
1.42 |
| 14/06/2025 |
28.00 |
32.89 |
24.32 |
1.34 |
| 21/06/2025 |
26.59 |
31.18 |
23.10 |
1.28 |
| 28/06/2025 |
27.76 |
32.49 |
23.66 |
1.32 |
| 05/07/2025 |
28.57 |
33.11 |
24.25 |
1.37 |
| 12/07/2025 |
27.16 |
31.38 |
23.24 |
1.29 |
5. Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG)
Source: Source: https://www.rbz.co.zw/
| |
Euro € |
GBP £ |
US$ |
ZAR |
| 01/03/2025 |
ZIG 27.59 |
ZIG 33.42 |
ZIG 26.56 |
ZIG 0.69 |
| 08/03/2025 |
ZIG 28.79 |
ZIG 34.32 |
ZIG 26.64 |
ZIG 0.68 |
| 15/03/2025 |
ZIG 28.91 |
ZIG 34.51 |
ZIG 26.66 |
ZIG 0.68 |
| 22/03/2025 |
ZIG 28.90 |
ZIG 34.52 |
ZIG 26.70 |
ZIG 0.68 |
| 29/03/2025 |
ZIG 28.85 |
ZIG 34.60 |
ZIG 26.74 |
ZIG 0.68 |
| 05/04/2025 |
ZIG 29.68 |
ZIG 35.06 |
ZIG 26.78 |
ZIG 0.70 |
| 12/04/2025 |
ZIG 30.29 |
ZIG 34.88 |
ZIG 26.81 |
ZIG 0.72 |
| 18/04/2025 |
ZIG 30.44 |
ZIG 35.41 |
ZIG 26.79 |
ZIG 0.71 |
| 26/04/2025 |
ZIG 30.38 |
ZIG 35.62 |
ZIG 26.80 |
ZIG 0.70 |
| 03/05/2025 |
ZIG 30.33 |
ZIG 35.71 |
ZIG 26.81 |
ZIG 0.68 |
| 10/05/2025 |
ZIG 30.11 |
ZIG 35.49 |
ZIG 26.84 |
ZIG 0.68 |
| 17/05/2025 |
ZIG 30.11 |
ZIG 35.79 |
ZIG 26.86 |
ZIG 0.67 |
| 24/05/2025 |
ZIG 30.45 |
ZIG 36.18 |
ZIG 26.89 |
ZIG 0.66 |
| 02/06/2025 |
ZIG 30.60 |
ZIG 36.31 |
ZIG 26.92 |
ZIG 0.66 |
| 05/06/2025 |
ZIG 30.79 |
ZIG 36.54 |
ZIG 26.94 |
ZIG 0.65 |
| 14/06/2025 |
ZIG 31.06 |
ZIG 36.50 |
ZIG 26.97 |
ZIG 0.66 |
| 21/06/2025 |
ZIG 31.10 |
ZIG 36.42 |
ZIG 26.99 |
ZIG 0.66 |
| 28/06/2025 |
ZIG 31.48 |
ZIG 36.97 |
ZIG 26.93 |
ZIG 0.66 |
| 05/07/2025 |
ZIG 31.68 |
ZIG 36.78 |
ZIG 26.89 |
ZIG 0.65 |
| 12/07/2025 |
ZIG 31.35 |
ZIG 36.40 |
ZIG 26.83 |
ZIG 0.66 |
Note: For previous rates, see HERE
ABSA Agri Trends: Hides & skins prices
Johannesburg, Gauteng, SA (11 July 2025) – The current average hide price remained R2.4727/kg. The current price is 0.12% higher than the average price a month ago and was 22.9% lower than the average price a year ago. The range of prices reported was as follows: Minimum price: R2.00 Maximum price: R2.94. Please note: Our methodology weighs the prices we collect according to the number of hides they sell in a month. This is done to make it more representative of the prevailing market price. NB* Hide prices are determined by the average of the RMAA (Red Meat Abattoir Association) and independent companies. - Marlene Louw, senior agricultural economist, Nkhensani Mashimbyi, agricultural economist, and Zama Sangweni, agricultural economist, ABSA group.
Note: For previous prices, see HERE
Have a look at these links
We invite businesses to send us links to websites, Facebook pages and the like which they feel would be of interest to others. The links below are from our database:
Hermer’s of Rosebank, Johannesburg, Gauteng, SA. Uniform specialist.
Hermes Luggage, Boksburg, Gauteng, SA. Travel goods retailer.
CLASSIFIED ADVERTS
Corrida Shoes
We are seeking an experienced CAD Operator with at least 5 years’ NAXOS experience who is well-seasoned in the shoe manufacturing industry. Candidates must be deadline driven with the ability to work under pressure and deliver on time whilst being quality conscience and meticulous. This position calls for a confident decision maker and problem solver. Someone who is highly dedicated and passionate about shoe making and design!
Candidates must know and understand:
- How to measure last increments and apply to NAXOS
- Grading
- Sample chasing
- Different types of restrictions on NAXOS
- How to put shoes, boots and sandals together
- How to inspect quality
- FC4 cutting procedures
- ZUND and the cutting of markers and knife copies
- Sole, Last and mould development
- Standards and how to digitize and dissect standards
Remuneration: Commensurate with experience
Please submit your CV to Lisa Ramluggan (HR) by 25th July 2025, either hand delivered or email to hr@corridashoes.co.za If you have not heard back from us within two weeks of your application, please deem your application unsuccessful.
Corrida (PTY) Ltd is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer, and this position is an employment equity position and open to such applications.
THIS WEEK LAST YEAR!
Shipping: Again, a spike in delays, and container prices stay high
Masterplan: Retailers ‘being encouraged’ to talk to manufacturers
WAM: Thin pickings in KZN CBD
Shadows: Awaiting outcome of court case
Deco Memories: Depending on tourists
Upmarket sports stores for Ballito
READ IT HERE - S&V Weekly Newsletter Vol.10 No.29, July 15 2024
THIS WEEK FIVE YEARS AGO!!
Wage negotiations: Compromise for tanning, footwear sectors
Retail last week:
- Better than expected
- Hanging on
Stock Exchange News Service (SENS)
- Steinhoff: Litigation update
Death Notices:
- Malcolm Novos, managing member of Economic Shoe Store.
- Avi Govender, proprietor of Leatherhaven.
READ IT HERE - S&V Weekly Newsletter Vol.6 No.28, July 13, 2020
NEWSLETTER ARCHIVE
All the past S&V Weekly Newsletters from January 2016 onwards are available in the newsletter archive.
VIEW THE ARCHIVE - CLICK HERE
Contact us
News & Classifieds: Tony Dickson, +27 (0)31 209 7505, tony@svmag.co.za
Next newsletter: Monday 21 July, 2025. Ad and editorial deadline Friday 18 July.
SAFLIA enquiries: Tel 0800SAFLIA * Email info@saflia.co.za * Website http://www.saflia.co.za
Our website www.svmag.co.za
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