S&V Weekly Newsletter Vol.11 No.48, December 1 2025
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Superbalist explains acquisition of The Athlete’s Foot, and future plans
SV Q&A With David Cohen, CEO of Superbalist Group of Companies
Q. Please confirm the acquisition, including when it took place.
A. We recently acquired The Athlete’s Foot South Africa in September 2025; we’re really excited about it. It’s a strong, well-loved brand and it fits into what we’re building across the Superbalist Group.
Q. Why did Superbalist buy it?
A. We’ve been watching the performance running space grow rapidly. It is a space that we wanted to be a part of and when the opportunity arose to acquire The Athlete’s Foot we moved fast.
This acquisition allows us through TAF to have an additional focus on performance running and scale this business with our B&M and digital expertise.
Q. How will it operate? Will it continue under that name, and will Superbalist roll out more stores?
A. The Athlete’s Foot will continue to operate under its own name. It has a legacy we respect, and we want to keep that intact.
We have gone through a process of updating and modernising the brand look and feel and a store redesign as well that sets up The Athletes foot as a premium destination in performance running for the world’s best brands.
Behind the scenes, the brand will have the support of our Group systems, tech, logistics, buying, and data.
TAF is growing, watch this space.
Q. Does Superbalist plan more acquisitions? If so, what types of businesses, and what timelines?
A. We’re always open to new opportunities, but we don’t chase growth just for the sake of it.
If we do look at further acquisitions, it would be in categories where we know we can genuinely add value, lifestyle, fashion, youth culture, beauty, sports, any space where we can bring a brand more visibility and help it scale. There’s no set timeline, but we are in ongoing conversations and staying close to the market.
Q. Any other details you regard as relevant?
A. Across the Group, our focus remains the same: building brands that customers love, and creating experiences that feel modern, accessible, and exciting.
FMD: Government plans national vaccination of SA’s cattle herd
Pretoria, Gauteng, SA – In response to “one of the most persistent and damaging waves of foot and mouth disease (FMD) the country has seen in decades”, the Department of Agriculture plans to vaccinate the entire national cattle herd, according to a press release on 26 November.
FMD affects the leather value chain because reduced slaughter means fewer hides for the tanning industry.
The Minister of Agriculture, John Steenhuisen, said a national cattle herd vaccination would position SA to apply to the World Organisation of Animal Health (WOAH) for recognition of freedom with vaccination status.
“This strategy aims to vaccinate South Africa’s national herd systematically, beginning with the hardest-hit provinces, namely: KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng, Free State, Mpumalanga and North West, which will submit their livestock numbers, as well as their number of quarantined farms. This plan, however, will rely on a consistent, high-quality vaccine supply.
“To this end, Minister Steenhuisen confirmed that the government is working closely with the Onderstepoort Biological Products (OBP) and the Agricultural Research Council (ARC) on the formalisation of public-private partnerships with domestic industry and international partners, including China and Argentina, who have already offered technical cooperation and support regarding vaccine provision.
“Minister Steenhuisen further stressed that the success of the FMD response depends not only on vaccines but also on law enforcement. Uncontrolled movement of animals remains the single biggest threat to the national containment efforts.”
 
Drip online auction
Bids close tomorrow (02 December) in an online auction for the assets of Drip Footwear (Pty) Ltd.
https://bidderschoice.co.za/movable-listings/drip-footwear-pty-ltd-liquidation-auction/
They Said It
"Thank you for printing the gratulatory message to Garth Ribbink. I can only echo this. In all my time in the industry nobody ever spoke badly about him. I wish him many more years. Dieter (the almost 85-year-old)." - Dieter Zettler, retired Paul Moeller & Co. director, Pinetown, KZN, SA, reacting to comments in the last 2 weeks’ newsletters in which Garth Ribbink of A. Greenaways (Natal) was praised for his long and exemplary service to footwear manufacturers.
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
Carlo Fabri, Switzerland
Birthdays this week
01/12/1946: Rob Cattell, Cattell’s Industrial Footwear, Springs, Gauteng, SA.
01/12/1948: Ken Gordon, retired, formerly Turbek Trading, Hermanus, W. Cape, SA.
01/12/1950: Aboobaker Gangat, May’s Factory Shop, Port Shepstone, KZN, SA.
01/12/1959: Arthur Lewis, AGB Sourcing & Consulting, Pinetown, KZN, SA.
01/12/1966: Grant N. Munro, Freestyle Handmade Originals, Cape Town, W. Cape, SA.
02/12/1949: Stephen Chetty, retired, formerly NFLC, Vanderbijlpark, and Edcon, Johannesburg, Gauteng, SA.
02/12/1968: Teddy Moodley, Dangee Carken, Johannesburg, Gauteng, SA.
02/12/1971: Happy Shongwe, Happy Boutique, Mbabane, Swaziland.
02/12/1974: Stuart Galbraith, Milspeed Marketing, China.
03/12/????: Brandon Geyser, EVA Industries, Durban, KZN, SA.
03/12/1976: Quintin Marais, Rolfes Chemicals, Boksburg, Gauteng, SA.
04/12/1981: Ebrahim Bulbulia, Boot & Shoe Centre, Johannesburg, Gauteng, SA.
05/12/1941: Kishor Makan, agent, Johannesburg, Gauteng, SA.
05/12/1961: Eckhard Marshing, ACA Threads, Cape Town, W. Cape, SA.
05/12/1962: Mahomed Amod Mahomed, Willowton Footwear, Pietermaritzburg, KZN, SA.
05/12/1963: Dr Clive Jackson-Moss, ISTT, Grahamstown, E. Cape, SA.
05/12/1970: Kevin Naidoo, Arena Trim, Pinetown, KZN, SA.
05/12/1970: Robert Chapman, left the industry, formerly Branded Footwear, Port Elizabeth, E. Cape, SA.
06/12/1970: Ryan Hansen, left the industry, formerly with CL Hansen Agencies, Durban, KZN, SA.
07/12/1947: Denton Estment, retired, formerly Tuftex, Pinetown, KZN, SA.
07/12/1960: Faldiela Paulsen, Dynatrade, Sandton, Gauteng, SA.
07/12/1973: Brendan Thomas, Techmelt & Polymers, Pinetown, KZN, SA.
In memoriam this week
01/12/1970: Dr. Konstantin Fiksl. (b. 07/05/1894), Rhodesian Bata Shoe Co Ltd, Gwelo, Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe Bata Shoe Co. Ltd, Gweru, Zimbabwe).
01/12/1998: Gian-Carlo Rosa (‘John’) Donati, Nupro Shoes [closed], Pinetown, KZN, SA.
02/12/1996: Pieter Du Plooy, Bata Zimbabwe, Bata SA, KZN, SA.
02/12/2008: Tony Laycock (b. 26/01/1951), Mario Levi Manufacturing [closed], Uitenhage, E. Cape, SA.
03/12/2017: Jim Butterworth (b. 13/12/1937), Elliott Footwear [closed], Crown Footwear and Martin Johnson [closed], Durban, KZN, SA.
04/12/2007: Neville Beckley (b. 27/01/1915), SA Footwear [closed], Durban, KZN, SA.
04/12/2022: David Buckingham (b. 04/02/1947), Royal Adhesive Industries, Pinetown, KZN, SA.
05/12/2021: Piet Neethling, (b.18/12/1952), Camdeboo Meat Processors, Graaff-Reinet, E. 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.
Fairs & events updated last week – see calendar for details
19-22/10/2027: A+A International Trade Fair & Congress, Düsseldorf, Germany.
 
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 |
| 22/11/2025 |
R19.99 |
R22.74 |
R17.37 |
R 2.44 |
| 29/11/2025 |
R19.86 |
R22.68 |
R17.13 |
R 2.42 |
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 |
| 22/11/2025 |
15.31 |
17.41 |
13.30 |
1.87 |
| 29/11/2025 |
16.57 |
18.92 |
14.29 |
2.01 |
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 |
| 22/11/2025 |
2041.06 |
2314.65 |
1717.02 |
102.54 |
| 29/11/2025 |
2048.49 |
2336.76 |
1717.02 |
103.04 |
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 |
| 22/11/2025 |
26.47 |
30.06 |
22.98 |
1.32 |
| 29/11/2025 |
26.53 |
30.32 |
22.94 |
1.33 |
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 |
| 22/11/2025 |
ZIG 30.37 |
ZIG 34.46 |
ZIG 26.32 |
ZIG 0.65 |
| 29/11/2025 |
ZIG 30.34 |
ZIG 34.66 |
ZIG 26.19 |
ZIG 0.65 |
Note: For previous rates, see HERE
ABSA Agri Trends: Hides & skins prices
Johannesburg, Gauteng, SA (28 November 2025) – The current average hide price increased by 0.20% to R2.336/kg from R2.331/kg a week ago. The current price is 0.24% higher than the average price a month ago and was 16.8% lower than the average price a year ago. The range of prices reported was as follows: Minimum price: R2.25 Maximum price: R2.99. 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:
In-Step (Step Footwear cc), Jeffreys Bay, E. Cape, SA. Footwear manufacturer.
Incanda Leather Furniture, Paarl, W. Cape, SA. Furniture manufacturer.
THIS WEEK LAST YEAR!
What if South Africa loses AGOA? A hypothetical scenario for the footwear export industry
Slow start, but pickup for summer
In case you missed it! : The November issue of S&V Footwear & Leather Goods Magazine
READ IT HERE - S&V Weekly Newsletter Vol.10 No.49, December 02 2024
THIS WEEK FIVE YEARS AGO!!
Mr Price buys under-the-radar Power Fashion
LG Sports: Re-opening sport would help everyone
Modway Shoes: Hopefully poor BF will lead to good December
SAFLIA re-elects chairman
Stock Exchange News Service (SENS): Woolworths trading update
READ IT HERE - S&V Weekly Newsletter Vol.6 No.48, Nov 30, 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 08 December, 2025. Ad and editorial deadline Friday 05 December.
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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