S&V Weekly Newsletter Vol. 12 No. 30, July 27 2026

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Tanning Sector Wage Negotiations

Port Elizabeth, E. Cape, SA – The National Bargaining Council of the Leather Industry of SA (NBCLI) is having a meeting today with the Commissioner, the Southern African Clothing & Textile Workers Union (SACTWU) and the SA Tanning Employers Organisation (SATEO) to discuss picketing rules, according to an email from Ilhaam Ryneveld, General Secretary / Principal Officer of the NBCLI.

Localisation

EFLC and SAFLEC drive digital breakthrough with Takealot pilot programme for local footwear and leather manufacturers

By Nerisha Jairaj (SAFLEC)
The eThekwini Footwear and Leather Cluster (EFLC), managed by the South African Footwear and Leather Export Council (SAFLEC), is proud to announce the successful rollout of its Takealot Pilot Programme, a strategic initiative designed to help local footwear and leather manufacturers expand their reach through South Africa’s leading online marketplace.
     Five pilot companies have successfully been onboarded onto the Takealot platform, with four already live and actively trading. This achievement marks an important milestone in the sector’s digital transformation, providing participating businesses with a new sales channel and access to a nationwide customer base.
     As part of the pilot, EFLC has also commenced sponsored flash advertising campaigns to increase product visibility, drive customer engagement, and boost online sales. These campaigns form part of the Cluster’s commitment to supporting participating companies beyond onboarding by providing practical marketing assistance that delivers measurable commercial impact.
     The early response to the programme has been extremely positive, and we are optimistic that the pilot will continue to generate strong sales opportunities while demonstrating the value of e-commerce for South African manufacturers. The lessons and successes from this initiative will help shape future digital market access programmes, enabling more local businesses to embrace online retail and strengthen their competitiveness.
     This pioneering initiative reflects EFLC and SAFLEC’s continued commitment to creating innovative market access opportunities, supporting business growth, and ensuring that South African footwear and leather manufacturers remain competitive in an increasingly digital global marketplace.

ONE VOICE. ONE INDUSTRY. ONE MISSION.

‘Footwear Working Group of the Masterplan strengthens industry collaboration despite Master Plan pause’

By Dimakatso Moji (DTIC), Zamani Oliphant (SAFLIA), and Nerisha Jairaj (SAFLEC)
While the formal National R-CTFL Master Plan engagements are currently on temporary hold, the momentum to drive the Footwear and Leather industry forward has not stopped.
     Last week, the Footwear Working Group, comprising the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic), SAFLIA, and SAFLEC, met to reaffirm its commitment to ensuring that the work of the Task Team continues uninterrupted for the benefit of the South African footwear and leather industry.
     The meeting reinforced a renewed spirit of collaboration, with each organisation taking ownership of its area of expertise while working towards a single shared vision.
* SAFLIA will continue to lead and chair the Task Team, driving local manufacturing priorities and industry development initiatives.
* The dtic will focus on policy, regulatory matters and government interventions that strengthen the sector.
* SAFLEC will lead on export development, international market access, trade promotion and identifying new global opportunities for South African manufacturers.

Together, the working group will continue to identify and address the industry’s most pressing challenges, including:

* Illegal imports and unfair trade practices.
* Localisation and increased local procurement.
* Import and export facilitation.
* Standards, compliance and certification.
* Skills development and labour matters.
* SMME development and funding opportunities.
* Export readiness, rebates and licensing.
* Removal of barriers that limit industry growth and competitiveness.

The discussions also highlighted the need for improved coordination between government, industry bodies and stakeholders to ensure faster decision-making and practical solutions that can be implemented without unnecessary delays.
     Perhaps the most significant outcome of the meeting was the collective commitment to speaking with one united voice.
     Rather than working in isolation, the working group agreed that collaboration is the strongest tool available to rebuild competitiveness, unlock new markets and create sustainable jobs across the footwear and leather value chain.
     This partnership sends a clear message to industry:
     The work does not stop simply because meetings are on hold. The commitment to industry remains stronger than ever.
     Every challenge presents an opportunity, and by combining the policy leadership of the dtic, the industry representation of SAFLIA and the export expertise of SAFLEC, the Task Team is determined to continue removing barriers, creating opportunities and delivering practical outcomes that benefit manufacturers, exporters, retailers, workers and SMMEs alike.
     Together We Are Stronger
     The Footwear Task Team remains committed to one objective:
     To do everything within our collective control to build a stronger, more competitive and globally recognised South African footwear and leather industry.
     One Voice. One Industry. One Goal. Together, we are stronger than ever.

Foot and Mouth Disease

FMD settlement progress: Minister Aucamp delivers on promise with launch of online FMD authorisation system

Media statement by the Minister of Agriculture

In a move to streamline the country's defence against Foot and mouth disease (FMD), the Minister of Agriculture, Willie Aucamp, has officially launched the self-vaccination application portal for livestock owners.
     This live system hands crucial control to farmers, allowing them to apply for official authorisation to vaccinate their own animals and curb potential FMD outbreaks faster than before.
     “The launch of this system means that the owners and managers of cattle will be able to perform voluntary vaccination of their livestock against FMD,” said Minister Aucamp. “This step is only the beginning and I can assure all stakeholders that the Department of Agriculture is committed to enabling the private sector to help tackle this FMD outbreak.”
     Livestock owners can now register on the FMD Reporting site and each of the required steps are outlined in the step-by-step guidelines. The system was designed in line with biosecurity requirements and legal prescripts and conditions, including traceability and reporting on vaccinations that were applied.

In case you missed it!

The July issue of S&V Footwear & Leather Goods Magazine

CLICK HERE TO VIEW IT ONLINE

S&V Footwear & Leather Goods Magazine Vol. 92 No. 07 July 2026

IN THIS ISSUE:

03 Upfront
- Manufacturer-buyer event: Results still to be tallied, but broad enthusiasm for more.

12 Sportswear
- Comrades shoe count: Asics stays top, Adidas up, Nike slides into 4th place.
- Nike claims ‘mental benefits’ form new styles, observers take wait-and-see approach.

15 Hosiery
- Bova Socks The PPE layer that works inside the boot.

16 Technology
- New generation nonwoven components lead the way towards biodegradable shoes.

19 Noticeboard
- Grey Street – memories of an 80s GenX cool dude.

21 Statistics
- Preliminary trade statistics May 2026.



Advertisers in this Issue
Arena Trims (15), BBF Safety Group (OFC), Dale Footwear/Hush Puppies (03), East Asian Import & Export (20), eThekwini Leather (04), Freestyle Genuine Handcrafted Leather (07), Haesloop Agencies (15), iSync Solutions (08), Kaytex Belts (05), Leather Finishing Products (22), Paris Belts (13), Saddler Belts (09), SAFLEC (13), S&V Calendar (01), S&V Directory (12), Samfer Equipment Technologies (02), Shotland Packaging (17).

They Said It

“Surviving Mondays is easier when you delay checking your email, do a small easy task first, and drink your favourite hot drink.” - RAW Nutritional.

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

27/07/1949: Oli Gardella, retired, formerly Gardella Shoes, Pinetown, KZN, SA.
27/07/1959: Vibeke Dugmore, KKI Leather Marketing, Oudtshoorn, W. Cape, SA.
27/07/1958: Morris Marimuthoo, Allimor Footwear, Durban, KZN, SA.
28/07/1950: Charles Stuart White, retired, formerly commission agent, Durban, KZN, SA.
28/07/1970: David Platt, formerly Simitri Specialty Chemicals [closed], Kempton Park, Gauteng, SA.
28/07/1972: Linda Otto, African Leather & Skins, Paarl, W. Cape, SA.
29/07/1962: Graydon Cock, emigrated, formerly Eddels, Bata SA and Puma SA.
29/07/1965: Ashley Pillay, National Bargaining Council, Durban, KZN, SA.
29/07/1992: Kevin Chetty, Angel Footwear, Durban, KZN, SA.
30/07/1959: Alan Munsamy, NULAW, Durban, KZN, SA.
30/07/1949: Gerald Batt, retired, Cape Town, W. Cape, SA.
30/07/1973: Frankie Sequeira, Novel’s Outfitters & Shoe Store, De Aar, N. Cape, SA.
31/07/1940: David Berry, retired to Underberg, formerly Rockshoes [closed], Pinetown, KZN, SA.
31/07/1969: Mark Dicks, emigrated, formerly Prime Leathers, Pinetown, KZN, SA.
01/08/1935: Bev Jack, retired, formerly Bata Zimbabwe and LAIFEZ, Harare, Zimbabwe.
02/08/1954: Brian Haarburger, MD, Paris Belts, Johannesburg, Gauteng, SA.
02/08/1946: Burt Coburn, ?, Cape Town, W. Cape, SA.
02/08/1969: Sonja Diedericks, Freestyle, Cape Town, W. Cape, SA.
02/08/1971: JJ du Plessis, Strassbergers, Clanwilliam, W. Cape, SA.

In memoriam this week

29/07/1993: JA "Pat" O'Brien, agent, Cape Town, W. Cape, SA.
29/07/2003: Dennis South, (b. 26/12/1923), Cuthberts (closed), Johannesburg, Gauteng, SA.
29/07/2010: Eric Harvey (b. 09/02/1925), Barker Footwear (now Bolton Footwear), Cape Town, W. Cape, SA.
31/07/2022: Graeme Katz (b. 05/02/1969), Treets Footwear (closed), Katz Footwear, Johannesburg, Gauteng, SA.
01/08/2023: Michelle Di Lembo (b. 17/08/1939), Villani Shoes (closed), Johannesburg, Gauteng, SA.
02/08/2022: David Tosh (b. 13/02/1954), Shoe Corporation, La Nuova, Adorable and Bona Shoes (all closed) in Durban, KZN, SA and Harrismith, Free State, SA, and Rockport, Lisbon, Portugal. Died in Glasgow, Scotland.

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 (23 July 2026) - The current average hide price increased by 1.70% to R2.369/kg from R2.329/kg a week ago. The current price is 2.10% higher than the average price a month ago and was 4.09% lower than the average price a year ago. The range of prices reported was as follows: Minimum price: R2.25 Maximum price: R3.43. 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. - Jade Smith, 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:

TST Agencies, Cape Town, W. Cape, SA. Tanning and textile chemicals and machinery agent.
Tuberwe, Kigali, Rwanda. Sportswear retailer.

THIS WEEK LAST YEAR!

Puma global sales down, Puma SA ‘facing different issues’

Stock Exchange News Service
- AVI Limited: Food up, fashion down
- Mr Price Group Limited: Market share gain

In case you missed it!: The July issue of S&V Footwear & Leather Goods Magazine

READ IT HERE - S&V Weekly Newsletter Vol.11 No.30, July 28 2025

THIS WEEK FIVE YEARS AGO!!

The aftermath part 2
- NCRF: Not as bad as feared, but there are hidden costs
- JD: CBD 'looks normal, feels tense'
- Winners: Response by landlords key
- Regent: Municipality looking at helping
- Mr Pansula: Praise for heroic manager

Trade
- 'Shoe production capacity in Iran is one billion pairs per year'

Stock Exchange News Services (SENS)
- Pepkor - voluntary trading update
- Mr Price - update regarding civil unrest
- Truworths - business update for the 52-week period

READ IT HERE - S&V Weekly Newsletter Vol.7 No.30, July 26 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 03 August, 2026. Ad and editorial deadline Friday 31 July 2026.

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

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