S&V Weekly Newsletter Vol.11 No.46, November 17 2025
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Change of executive director for SAFLIA
Durban, KZN, SA – SAFLIA is to have a change of executive director next year when Jirka Vymĕtal retires after a handover period to Zamani Oliphant.
Vymĕtal joined SAFLIA in March 2014. He said the aim was to retire by end April to ensure “a smooth and thorough handover”.
Oliphant, who is an attorney, will start on 01 February.
An article on her background, impressions of the industry so far, and plans and aspirations will follow in the December issue of S&V Footwear & Leather Goods, and an article on Vymĕtal’s career in the industry will follow in the new year.
Asics SA appoints new GM
Cape Town, W. Cape, SA (07 November 2025) – Asics South Africa has appointed Sean van Wyk as its new GM on 01 January. He replaces Barry Mellis.
Asics’ director emerging markets EMEA, Stefan Heinrich, said in statement: “Barry has been leading our business operations in South Africa successfully since 2018 making Asics a respected brand in the territory. He navigated and guided the team through difficult COVID times and managed to grow the Asics business significantly together with our wholesale partners. We wish him all the best for his post Asics career.
“At the same time, we are very happy that Sean van Wyk will become the new General Manager of Asics in South Africa. Sean comes with over 20 years of experience in leadership roles within the sports industry, including senior marketing and sales roles in India, Middle East and South Africa. Most recently, Sean has been leading the Bounty Apparel organisation as Managing Director. He is a keen sportsman and runner completing 11 marathons.”
 
Dickies sale completed
New York, U.S. (12 November 2025) – Brand management company Bluestar Alliance has completed its acquisition of workwear and lifestyle brand Dickies from VF Corporation. It said in a release that “the addition of Dickies reinforces Bluestar Alliance's position as one of the world's leading brand management firms, bridging heritage, lifestyle, luxury, and cultural influence across its expanding global portfolio, specifically within its growing youth luxury division”.
Other recent acquisitions by Bluestar Alliance have been Palm Angels (2025), Off-White (2024), Scotch & Soda (2023), and Hurley (2019).
“With the addition of Dickies, Bluestar Alliance's portfolio now represents more than $13 billion in global retail sales, with more than half of revenue generated internationally, supported by over 600 licensees, 500 international retail stores, millions of engaged consumers worldwide, and dedicated teams in Costa Mesa, Columbus, New York, Amsterdam, London and Milan.”
It said Dickies' “strong following and crossover appeal between utility and streetwear make it a natural fit alongside Bluestar Alliance's culturally driven brands. Together with luxury and youth-driven labels … Dickies will further strengthen Bluestar Alliance's presence in the streetwear and contemporary apparel spaces.”
It said Dickies “will enter a new phase of expansion, leveraging the company's infrastructure and proven model of strategic partnerships, design innovation, and omnichannel distribution to scale globally with a retail and partner-first mindset. This approach will allow the brand to extend its reach by introducing new categories including denim, footwear, and elevated lifestyle offerings; collaborating with culturally relevant street, skate, and fashion brands; and expanding its global footprint in the EMEA and APAC regions, with a specific focus on Germany, Japan, South Korea, and the UAE; while preserving the authenticity and heritage that define Dickies' legacy.”
Bluestar said it “is actively looking to bring established brands with strong heritage and loyal communities into its ecosystem and growing international brand portfolio”.
LA Group, which distributes Dickies in Southern Africa, didn’t respond to a request for comment on how the change of ownership would affect distribution.
In case you missed it!
The November issue of S&V African Leather Magazine
S&V African Leather Magazine Vol19 No11 November 2025
IN THIS ISSUE:
03 Sam Setter’s ‘Pills’
- A new quip from Sam Setter in each issue.
05 Upfront
- Better than last year, for sure, but tariff-hit Chinese furniture on its way here, warns Leather Link’s Hugo Zuanni.
- SA ostrich leather exporters still seeking solutions to U.S. tariffs, say Thurling Investments’ Vidrik Thurling and Cape Karoo International’s Arno Albertyn.
- Avian influenza leads to ostrich cull in Canada.
07 Leather, Its Image & Its Place In The World
- EUDR update: What Africa’s leather sector needs to know, writes the Sustainable Leather Foundation’s Deborah Taylor.
09 An Eclectic View
- EU legislation update: Like them or not, the EU’s environmental laws are a guideline for the world, writes correspondent H. Procter.
13 A new dawn for Ethiopia?
- A land of opportunities, a land of contrasts, but it needs global brands to invest, writes Pittards Group Ltd. executive chairman Reg Hankey.
- UNIDO’s Ethiopian LISEC project: After 7 years, an assessment identifies problem areas.
16 An Eclectic View
- Truth – a message to the anti-leather lobby: Cattle aren’t killed for their hides. Q.E.D., writes Authenticae’s Karl Flowers.
12 Weights & Measures
- Compiled by the ISTT.
13 Statistics
- Preliminary South African trade statistics for September 2025.
Advertisers in this Issue
Authenticae (02), International School of Tanning Technology (ISTT) (10), Mimosa (04), Rolfes Leather Division (06), S&V Calendar (01), S&V Directory (05), Southern African Footwear & Leather Export Council (SAFLEC) (08), Stahl (OFC), Sustainable Leather Foundation (12).
They Said It
"I know that Garth Ribbink turns 80 this month. Such a pity that our industry does not have an industry recognition award. He certainly deserves one. I think he has done more for our manufacturing industry than anyone I know. Sourcing materials, his stock programme and helping countless factories in tough times. Always there when you need him. What a man." - Peter Maree, Corrida Shoes, Pietermaritzburg, KZN, SA. For anyone who doesn’t know, Ribbink is part of the family-owned A. Greenaways (Natal), a component supplier best known for synthetic upper materials.
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
Gary, Footwear Technologist, Cape Union Mart, South Africa
Njabulo Ngwenya, Sales & Merchandising Coordinator, Equator group, South Africa
Marc, Director, Implus Africa, Cape Town, South Africa
Samantha, Acc Exec, Quickload, Cape Town, South Africa
Birthdays this week
17/11/1953: Andy Sandison, retired, formerly ACA Threads, Cape Town, W. Cape, SA.
17/11/1966: Robbert van Schagen, Paris Avenue Boutique, Windhoek, Namibia.
17/11/1983: Gustav Nefdt, Martin Nefdt Agencies, Port Elizabeth, E. Cape, SA.
18/11/1939: Frank Rosenberg, Leathermarc, Bloemfontein, Free State, SA.
18/11/1954: Feroze Bhamjee, Piccadilly, Johannesburg, Gauteng, SA.
18/11/1960: Mark Kingon, Kingon's, East London, E. Cape, SA.
19/11/1949: Kevin Cockcroft, retired, formerly Maloti Mountain Moccasins (closed), Pietermaritzburg, KZN, SA.
19/11/1958: Alan Fleetwood, retired, formerly Bolton Group, Cape Town, W. Cape, SA.
19/11/1961: George Dimond, Continental Compounders, Pinetown, KZN, SA.
19/11/1970: Craig Kourie, commission agent, Johannesburg, Gauteng, SA.
19/11/1975: Kirsten Pillay, Isicebi Trading 1098 cc, East London, E. Cape, SA.
19/11/????: Johan Stumpf, left the industry, formerly KKI, Oudtshoorn, W. Cape, SA.
20/11/1964: Jessica Han, Gutsy, Bloemfontein, Free State, SA.
20/11/1987: Jonathan Colloty, left the industry, formerly Michelle Footwear, Durban, KZN, SA.
20/11/????: Vis Moodley, KwaZulu Shoe Co, Estcourt, KZN, SA.
21/11/1950: JK Strydom, Werda Humansdorp Beleggings, Humansdorp, E. Cape, SA.
23/11/1938: David Wilson, retired, resident in George, formerly Barker Footwear, Cape Town, W. Cape, SA.
23/11/1959: Bernice Kalakazinos, Toffee Clothing, St Francis Bay, E. Cape, SA.
23/11/1966: Cornelio M Sunduza, Dadu Leathers Zimbabwe.
23/11/1970: Premilla Govender, Dynamic Engineering, Durban, KZN, SA.
23/11/1987: Phelokazi Gxaba, Retailability, Durban, KZN, SA.
In memoriam this week
19/11/2014: Allan Bell (b. 09/07/1926), Bata Kenya and Futura Footwear, in the UK.
19/11/2018: Michael Hiss (b. 03/10/1948), Bellstedt [closed], Chanti Belt/Michael Hiss Agencies, Durban, KZN, SA.
20/11/1997: Christian Larkins (b. 01/07/51), Interchem, Cape Town, W. Cape, SA.
21/11/2009: Terry Batchelor (b. 30/10/1942), Intershu, Johannesburg, Gauteng, SA.
21/11/2016: Ronnie Jones (b. 19/11/1949), Apeco [closed], Johannesburg, Gauteng, SA.
22/11/1992: Jimmy Shankland, Angels Shoes [closed], Cape Town, W. Cape, SA.
22/11/1994: Chris Claassen, Bata Shoes SA, Pinetown, KZN, SA.
23/11/2018: Peter Shiffer (b. 17/10/1949), Flexmor [closed], Cape Town, W. Cape, 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
Duca del Cosma [Division of Hi-Tec Sports Distributors (Pty) Ltd, Cape Town, W. Cape, SA.
Pasadena Products cc, Roodepoort, Gauteng, SA.
Saddler Belts & Leathercraft (Pty) Ltd, Durban, KZN, SA.
 
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 ¥ |
| 05/07/2025 |
R20.70 |
R24.00 |
R17.58 |
R 2.45 |
| 12/07/2025 |
R20.93 |
R24.18 |
R17.90 |
R 2.49 |
| 19/07/2025 |
R20.60 |
R23.78 |
R17.72 |
R 2.46 |
| 28/07/2025 |
R20.82 |
R23.90 |
R17.81 |
R 2.48 |
| 04/08/2025 |
R20.79 |
R23.87 |
R17.98 |
R 2.50 |
| 09/08/2025 |
R20.62 |
R23.85 |
R17.74 |
R 2.49 |
| 17/08/2025 |
R20.59 |
R23.85 |
R17.60 |
R 2.45 |
| 24/08/2025 |
R20.44 |
R23.55 |
R17.43 |
R 2.43 |
| 30/08/2025 |
R20.62 |
R23.83 |
R17.65 |
R 2.47 |
| 06/09/2025 |
R20.59 |
R23.70 |
R17.57 |
R 2.46 |
| 13/09/2025 |
R20.38 |
R23.54 |
R17.37 |
R 2.43 |
| 20/09/2025 |
R20.36 |
R23.38 |
R17.33 |
R 2.43 |
| 27/09/2025 |
R20.30 |
R23.23 |
R17.34 |
R 2.43 |
| 04/10/2025 |
R20.21 |
R23.20 |
R17.22 |
R 2.41 |
| 11/10/2025 |
R20.26 |
R23.32 |
R17.46 |
R 2.44 |
| 20/10/2025 |
R20.19 |
R23.22 |
R17.31 |
R 2.43 |
| 25/10/2025 |
R20.10 |
R23.00 |
R17.25 |
R 2.42 |
| 01/11/2025 |
R20.06 |
R22.78 |
R17.32 |
R 2.43 |
| 08/11/2025 |
R20.02 |
R22.77 |
R17.30 |
R 2.43 |
| 14/11/2025 |
R19.89 |
R22.53 |
R17.12 |
R 2.41 |
2. Botswana Pula
Source: http://www.x-rates.com/calculator/
| |
Euro € |
GBP £ |
US $ |
CNY ¥ |
| 05/07/2025 |
15.58 |
18.07 |
13.23 |
1.84 |
| 12/07/2025 |
14.77 |
17.07 |
12.64 |
1.76 |
| 19/07/2025 |
16.22 |
18.72 |
13.95 |
1.94 |
| 28/07/2025 |
15.81 |
18.16 |
13.53 |
1.88 |
| 04/08/2025 |
15.75 |
18.09 |
13.62 |
1.89 |
| 09/08/2025 |
16.58 |
19.17 |
14.26 |
1.98 |
| 17/08/2025 |
16.57 |
19.22 |
14.18 |
1.97 |
| 24/08/2025 |
16.89 |
19.45 |
14.40 |
2.01 |
| 30/08/2025 |
16.78 |
19.40 |
14.36 |
2.01 |
| 06/09/2025 |
16.45 |
18.93 |
14.04 |
1.96 |
| 13/09/2025 |
16.67 |
19.26 |
14.21 |
1.99 |
| 20/09/2025 |
16.63 |
19.10 |
14.16 |
1.99 |
| 27/09/2025 |
15.68 |
17.94 |
13.40 |
1.87 |
| 04/10/2025 |
16.58 |
19.03 |
14.12 |
1.98 |
| 11/10/2025 |
16.41 |
18.89 |
14.14 |
1.98 |
| 20/10/2025 |
16.57 |
19.06 |
14.21 |
1.99 |
| 25/10/2025 |
16.40 |
18.77 |
14.08 |
1.97 |
| 01/11/2025 |
16.55 |
18.80 |
14.29 |
2.01 |
| 08/11/2025 |
16.60 |
18.87 |
14.34 |
2.01 |
| 14/11/2025 |
16.18 |
18.33 |
13.96 |
1.96 |
3. Malawian Kwacha (MWK) (buying)
Source: https://www.rbm.mw/
| |
Euro € |
GBP £ |
US $ |
ZAR |
| 05/07/2025 |
2082.80 |
2416.70 |
1717.02 |
100.70 |
| 12/07/2025 |
2065.11 |
2393.71 |
1717.02 |
99.44 |
| 19/07/2025 |
2054.50 |
2372.84 |
1717.02 |
99.43 |
| 28/07/2025 |
2072.89 |
2372.13 |
1717.02 |
99.60 |
| 04/08/2025 |
2043.89 |
2346.49 |
1717.02 |
98.34 |
| 09/08/2025 |
2059.63 |
2374.43 |
1717.02 |
99.76 |
| 17/08/2025 |
2063.52 |
2395.47 |
1717.02 |
100.69 |
| 24/08/2025 |
2050.79 |
2370.89 |
1717.02 |
99.83 |
| 30/08/2025 |
2062.64 |
2386.46 |
1717.02 |
99.78 |
| 06/09/2025 |
2064.05 |
2381.33 |
1717.02 |
99.85 |
| 13/09/2025 |
2074.13 |
2396.36 |
1717.02 |
101.76 |
| 20/09/2025 |
2082.09 |
2388.75 |
1717.02 |
101.85 |
| 27/09/2025 |
2065.29 |
2361.70 |
1717.02 |
101.40 |
| 04/10/2025 |
2072.36 |
2375.84 |
1717.02 |
102.32 |
| 11/10/2025 |
2046.37 |
2350.20 |
1717.02 |
102.44 |
| 20/10/2025 |
Not available this morning |
| 25/10/2025 |
2052.20 |
2355.86 |
1717.02 |
102.09 |
| 01/11/2025 |
2046.37 |
2326.15 |
1717.02 |
102.32 |
| 08/11/2025 |
2039.47 |
2319.07 |
1717.02 |
101.85 |
| 14/11/2025 |
2058.39 |
2325.62 |
1717.02 |
103.72 |
4. Zambian Kwacha (ZMW) (buying)
Source: https://www.boz.zm/
| |
Euro € |
GBP £ |
US $ |
ZAR |
| 05/07/2025 |
28.57 |
33.11 |
24.25 |
1.37 |
| 12/07/2025 |
27.16 |
31.38 |
23.24 |
1.29 |
| 19/07/2025 |
26.77 |
30.91 |
22.95 |
1.29 |
| 28/07/2025 |
27.37 |
31.38 |
23.36 |
1.31 |
| 04/08/2025 |
Website would not open this morning |
| 09/08/2025 |
27.01 |
31.13 |
23.18 |
1.30 |
| 17/08/2025 |
27.13 |
31.48 |
23.21 |
1.31 |
| 24/08/2025 |
26.97 |
31.16 |
23.22 |
1.31 |
| 30/08/2025 |
27.47 |
31.69 |
23.55 |
1.32 |
| 06/09/2025 |
28.03 |
32.32 |
23.87 |
1.36 |
| 13/09/2025 |
27.88 |
32.25 |
23.81 |
1.36 |
| 20/09/2025 |
27.79 |
32.85 |
23.62 |
1.35 |
| 27/09/2025 |
27.79 |
31.82 |
23.77 |
1.36 |
| 04/10/2025 |
27.90 |
31.98 |
23.77 |
1.37 |
| 11/10/2025 |
26.22 |
30.10 |
22.66 |
1.31 |
| 20/10/2025 |
26.44 |
30.37 |
22.65 |
1.30 |
| 25/10/2025 |
25.81 |
29.69 |
22.25 |
1.28 |
| 01/11/2025 |
25.62 |
29.06 |
22.17 |
1.27 |
| 08/11/2025 |
26.20 |
29.73 |
22.66 |
1.30 |
| 14/11/2025 |
26.25 |
29.67 |
22.54 |
1.31 |
5. Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG)
Source: Source: https://www.rbz.co.zw/
| |
Euro € |
GBP £ |
US$ |
ZAR |
| 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 |
| 19/07/2025 |
ZIG 31.13 |
ZIG 35.96 |
ZIG 26.80 |
ZIG 0.66 |
| 28/07/2025 |
ZIG 31.45 |
ZIG 35.98 |
ZIG 26.79 |
ZIG 0.66 |
| 04/08/2025 |
ZIG 31.02 |
ZIG 35.58 |
ZIG 26.79 |
ZIG 0.67 |
| 04/08/2025 |
Website would not open on Saturday |
| 17/08/2025 |
ZIG 31.17 |
ZIG 36.22 |
ZIG 26.78 |
ZIG 0.66 |
| 24/08/2025 |
ZIG 30.99 |
ZIG 35.83 |
ZIG 26.75 |
ZIG 0.66 |
| 30/08/2025 |
ZIG 31.20 |
ZIG 36.10 |
ZIG 26.75 |
ZIG 0.66 |
| 06/09/2025 |
ZIG 31.17 |
ZIG 35.93 |
ZIG 26.71 |
ZIG 0.66 |
| 13/09/2025 |
ZIG 31.35 |
ZIG 36.23 |
ZIG 26.72 |
ZIG 0.65 |
| 20/09/2025 |
ZIG 31.28 |
ZIG 35.99 |
ZIG 26.56 |
ZIG 0.65 |
| 27/09/2025 |
ZIG 31.03 |
ZIG 35.48 |
ZIG 26.57 |
ZIG 0.65 |
| 04/10/2025 |
ZIG 31.23 |
ZIG 35.81 |
ZIG 26.65 |
ZIG 0.64 |
| 11/10/2025 |
ZIG 30.91 |
ZIG 35.55 |
ZIG 26.71 |
ZIG 0.64 |
| 20/10/2025 |
ZIG 31.06 |
ZIG 35.76 |
ZIG 26.61 |
ZIG 0.65 |
| 25/10/2025 |
ZIG 30.77 |
ZIG 35.30 |
ZIG 26.51 |
ZIG 0.65 |
| 01/11/2025 |
ZIG 30.52 |
ZIG 34.69 |
ZIG 26.38 |
ZIG 0.65 |
| 08/11/2025 |
ZIG 30.44 |
ZIG 34.62 |
ZIG 26.38 |
ZIG 0.65 |
| 14/11/2025 |
ZIG 30.66 |
ZIG 34.62 |
ZIG 26.33 |
ZIG 0.64 |
Note: For previous rates, see HERE
ABSA Agri Trends: Hides & skins prices
Johannesburg, Gauteng, SA (14 November 2025) – The current average hide price increased by 0.22% to R2.33/kg from R2.32/kg a week ago. The current price is 0.29% lower than the average price a month ago and was 17.1% lower than the average price a year ago. The range of prices reported was as follows: Minimum price: R2.25 Maximum price: R2.85. 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:
Impela Trading, Ladysmith, KZN, SA. Leathercraft training, leathergoods manufacturer.
Imraan’s Outfitters, Secunda, Mpumalanga, SA. Men’s and women’s apparel retailer.
THIS WEEK LAST YEAR!
Expectation that December will be better
SA sustainable fashion awards
Catch up with Richard and ‘The Shoedog’
READ IT HERE - S&V Weekly Newsletter Vol.10 No.47, November 18 2024
THIS WEEK FIVE YEARS AGO!!
Business
- South Africa
-- Destiny Footwear: Planning more capacity next year
-- Bresan Footwear: Full - for now
-- Shoe Tech: Not sacrificing margin to chase turnover
-- Knight's Shoes: Big brands have let us down
FLIC Trends forecast for Spring / Summer 2021
READ IT HERE - S&V Weekly Newsletter Vol.6 No.46, Nov 16, 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 24 November, 2025. Ad and editorial deadline Friday 21 November.
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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