S&V Weekly Newsletter Vol. 12 No. 14, April 07 2026

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Trading Conditions

Holiday trade: The Easter Bunny didn’t visit everyone

Jenny Smart, Beach & Beyond
Ballito, KZN, SA – Easter trade has been up on last year for us. We traded well over all days except today, Easter Monday.

Andy Thuysman, In-Step
Jeffreys Bay, E. Cape, SA – Happy with Easter trade overall as it fell within the school holidays. Visitors cycle as far as the Free State. Hardly any GP visitors. Increased visitors’ numbers from Cape Town mainly due to the surfing scene.

Shelby Boland, Surf’s Up
Port Edward, KZN, SA – I had an ok Easter, trade was a bit down on other years. I think people were holding back because the fuel price was on their mind and possibly the world tensions at the moment.

David Lipschitz, Slops & Clogs at the Beach
Port Elizabeth, E. Cape, SA – Easter trade in PE was 50% down on last year.

Courses

From craft to customer: Turning leather expertise into sales through marketing

Durban, KZN, SA – The eThekwini Footwear & Leather Cluster is hosting a 1-day workshop at the EFLC/SAFLEC boardroom on 14 April.
Workshop Objectives
By the end of this session, participants will be able to:
* Understand the direct impact of marketing on revenue generation
* Define a clear target market and brand positioning
* Develop a simple and actionable marketing-to-sales funnel
* Identify the most effective marketing channels for their business
* Recognize the importance of marketing budgets and associated challenges
Please contact sarah@saflec.co.za by no later than 07 April 2026.

Arsutoria courses

Durban, KZN, SA – SAFLEC, in collaboration with SAFLIA and the eThekwini Footwear & Leather Cluster, will again hold a 1-week Arsutoria Durban workshop from 25-29 May. Details to follow.

Cape Town, W. Cape, SA – SAFLEC, in collaboration with SAFLIA, SAOEC and The Western Cape Government, will hold a 2-day Arsutoria Cape town workshop from 01-02 June. Details to follow.

Clarification

Are we assisting larger manufacturers?

Nerisha Jairaj, executive director, SAFLEC Durban, KZN, SA – The South African Footwear and Leather Export Council (SAFLEC) recognises that export development is a central pillar of the Retail–Clothing, Textile, Footwear and Leather (R-CTFL) Master Plan, which seeks to drive localisation, deepen industrialisation, increase domestic production, and expand export capability across the value chain.
     While the Export Marketing and Investment Assistance (EMIA) Scheme and related dtic export promotion instruments have historically prioritised SMMEs to advance transformation and broaden participation, the Master Plan equally emphasises the importance of scaling competitive, established firms to drive export growth, retain productive capacity, and anchor local value chains. We as SAFLEC are driving and lobbying for inclusion of larger capacitated firms in these Dtic programs
     In this context, SAFLEC has continued to support larger, established manufacturers as key contributors to the Master Plan’s targets of:
     • Increasing local production and market share
     • Expanding exports into new and existing markets
     • Enhancing firm-level competitiveness and upgrading capabilities
     • Driving sustainable employment across the CTFL value chain. We do this through other funding sources and one in one engagement with all our larger members. If you are not involved, we encourage to apply. All our members are prioritised for export growth assistance with no exception.
     To give effect to these objectives, SAFLEC has implemented targeted interventions aimed at ensuring that established exporters remain globally competitive. These include facilitating participation in international trade exhibitions, providing market intelligence, and supporting firm-level export readiness.
     Critically, SAFLEC is working in close collaboration with the dtic through the Footwear and Leather Sector Desk, which plays a strategic coordinating role in aligning industry needs with available policy instruments. Through this platform, engagements are underway to:
     • Improve access to EMIA and related export support instruments for established manufacturers
     • Ensure better alignment between export promotion and industrial capacity within the sector
     • Identify gaps in current support measures and propose targeted enhancements
     • Strengthen coordination between government, industry bodies, and exporters
     These efforts are directly aligned with the Master Plan’s implementation approach, which emphasises partnership between government and industry, as well as the use of targeted, responsive interventions to unlock growth and competitiveness.
     While policy and programme adjustments require due process within the dtic’s regulatory framework, there is strong momentum toward a more inclusive export support regime that recognises the role of firms of all sizes. The inclusion of the Footwear and Leather Sector Desk in these interventions ensures that sector-specific constraints—particularly those affecting export scale, compliance, and market access are actively addressed within the policy environment.
     In the interim, SAFLEC remains committed to practical, on-the-ground support for larger manufacturers. This includes:
     • Facilitating firm-level participation in EMIA-supported trade missions and exhibitions
     • Providing tailored export advisory and application support
     • Delivering targeted skills development aligned to export market requirements
     • Supporting market access initiatives that enhance global positioning of South African products
     We encourage all members, particularly established manufacturers, to actively engage with SAFLEC and the dtic Sector Desk to maximise available opportunities and contribute to the achievement of Master Plan targets.
     SAFLEC values the ongoing collaboration with the dtic and remains confident that, through coordinated implementation of the R-CTFL Master Plan, the sector will achieve a more inclusive, competitive, and export-oriented growth trajectory.
     At SAFLEC, we remain committed to ensuring that South African footwear, leather, leather goods, and handbags are positioned to compete successfully in global markets, supported by a coherent industrial policy framework and strong institutional collaboration.

Sportswear

African, US collaboration on flag football clinics in Ghana

Accra, Ghana – The National Football League (NFL) (https://NFL.com/International), in collaboration with the International Federation of American Football (IFAF), hosted a 4-day series of flag football development clinics in Ghana, bringing together local educators, international coaches and global federation representatives as part of ongoing efforts to grow the game worldwide and expand access to flag football across Africa.
     The programming included a Ghana-based teachers clinic focused on equipping local educators with the tools and resources to introduce and scale flag football in schools, followed by an Africa Coaching Clinic delivered in collaboration with IFAF and its member federations from across the continent. Participating countries included Ghana, Cameroon, Egypt, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Morocco, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa, Tunisia and Uganda.
     Together, the sessions emphasized both grassroots access and high-performance development, reflecting the NFL and IFAF’s shared commitment to building sustainable pathways for flag football at all levels of the game.
     Flag football is one of the fastest-growing sports globally, with millions of players participating across more than 100 countries. As the sport continues to expand internationally — including its upcoming debut at the Olympic Games in Los Angeles in 2028 — the NFL and IFAF are working together to increase access, strengthen development pathways and support national federations around the world.
     “Flag football continues to create new opportunities for athletes and communities around the world,” said Afia Law, International Flag Football Development Manager, NFL. “Through this work in Ghana, we’re proud to support local educators and coaches while also partnering with federations across Africa to expand access to the game and build sustainable pathways for growth across the region.”

Khaby Lame named Dakar 2026 Ambassador as momentum builds for the Youth Olympic Games

Dakar, Senegal – Khaby Lame has been named an official ambassador for the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games (YOG), as momentum builds ahead of the first Olympic sporting event to be held in Africa. Lame’s appointment marks the latest milestone in the lead-up to the Games, with the event’s prominence and international appeal continuing to grow.
     A social media sensation followed by hundreds of millions of people worldwide, the Italian-Senegalese influencer joins a prestigious group of ambassadors, alongside Omar Sy, Kalidou Koulibaly and Eva Neymar. This convergence of talent illustrates the breadth of engagement generated by Dakar 2026, which goes far beyond the world of sport.
     Lame, who was officially appointed on 26 March 2026 in Dakar, expressed his pride at becoming part of this historic event for the continent: “This commitment reflects my desire to support young African talent, both in sport and beyond. Dakar 2026 will give our continent the opportunity to showcase the best of itself and inspire young people in Africa and around the world. It is a chance to demonstrate that, as well as being resilient, Africa is a force to be reckoned with. I am proud to be Senegalese and proud to be African – and we will make this first Olympic event in Africa a resounding success.”
     Having risen to fame during the COVID-19 pandemic, Lame has become a global phenomenon thanks to the simple format and universally accessible nature of his content. His massive audience and connection with young people offer a powerful platform to promote the vision and values of the Games.
     The Dakar 2026 YOG will take place from 31 October to 13 November 2026. The first Olympic sporting event to be held in Africa, the YOG will bring together around 2,700 young athletes aged up to 17 from around the world, across three host zones: Dakar, Diamniadio and Saly.

They Said It

"It’s important we remember the true meaning of Easter, said the Archbishop of Cadbury.” - A WhatsApp joke doing the rounds. Not that many can afford Easter eggs, anyway.

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

Birthdays this week

06/04/1979: Hetesh Daya, Daya & Sons, Durban, KZN, SA.
08/04/1965: Gregg Ripley-Evans, John Whittle Components, Pinetown, KZN, SA.
09/04/1970: Rob McCann, Treadsafe, Pinetown, KZN, SA.
09/04/1970: Marely Koen, Vellie Boutique, Boksburg, Gauteng, SA.
09/04/1976: Carlo Grillenzoni, former footwear commission agent, joined the firearms industry in 2022, Cape Town, W. Cape, SA.
10/04/1948: Gert Muller, Sonop, Bethlehem, Free State, SA.
10/04/1958: Ismail Shah, Evoné, Pietermaritzburg, KZN, SA.
11/04/1952: Nigel Dowden, retired, formerly Component Wholesalers (closed), Durban, KZN, SA.
11/04/1976: Janine Govender, Nikkita Footwear (closed), Durban, KZN, SA.
12/04/1922: Harry Hoyte, retired, formerly Hoyte Shoes/agent, Durban, KZN, SA.
12/04/1968: Kobie Koen, Vellie Boutique, Boksburg, Gauteng, SA.

In memoriam this week

06/04/1979: George Cowie, GW Cowie & Co, Durban, KZN, SA.
06/04/2021: Marco di Lembo (b. 30/07/1973), Villani Shoes, Johannesburg, Gauteng, SA.
07/04/2022: Hans Beier (b. 02/10/1936), Beier Group, Pinetown, KZN, SA.
08/04/2011: Jack Katz, Treets Footwear (closed), Johannesburg, Gauteng, SA.
09/04/2021: Brian Wallis (b. 16/10/1945), Newtech (closed), Shoetech and Safety-Boyz, Durban, KZN, SA.
10/04/2021: Colin Gerrans (b. 05/03/1937), Silverton Tannery, Hanni & Sons, Seton AutoLeather, Nigel, Gauteng, SA.
12/04/2023: Adrian McElhinney (b. 03/04/1944), Cape Town, W. Cape, SA. Formerly Edworks (closed), Millana Shoes (closed), Woolworths and Universal Footwear (closed).

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.

3. Malawian Kwacha (MWK) (buying)

Source: https://www.rbm.mw/

4. Zambian Kwacha (ZMW) (buying)

Source: https://www.boz.zm/

5. Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG)

Source: Source: https://www.rbz.co.zw/

Note: For previous rates, see HERE

ABSA Agri Trends: Hides & skins prices

Johannesburg, Gauteng, SA (27 March 2026) - The current average hide price remained R2.257/kg. The current price is 2,19% lower than the average price a month ago and was 19,3% lower than the average price a year ago. The range of prices reported was as follows: Minimum price: R2.00 Maximum price: R2.74. 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:

Janine’s Clothing, Hermanus, W. Cape, SA. Women’s apparel retailer.
Jasworth Sports, Bethal, Mpumalanga, SA. Sports goods retailer.

THIS WEEK LAST YEAR!

After the tariff big bang, mostly shocked silence among SA exporters

Footwear imports up nearly 19% last year

New appointment: Marc Lailvaux, has joined upmarket pet products manufacturer Chommies to head up procurement.

READ IT HERE - S&V Weekly Newsletter Vol.11 No.14, April 07 2025

THIS WEEK FIVE YEARS AGO!!

Wagner Designer Collection: More downs than ups

Urban Mania: Hoping online will make a difference

Footwear consumption 'recovering'

'Another 80 000 US stores could close'

READ IT HERE - S&V Weekly Newsletter Vol.7 No.14, April 6 2021

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 13 April, 2026. Ad and editorial deadline Friday 10 April 2026.

SAFLIA enquiries: Tel 0800SAFLIA * Email info@saflia.co.za * Website http://www.saflia.co.za

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