Reflections on ostrich and crocodile leather from a tannery perspective. By Thabang Kenalemang and Cobus Brink from the Cape Karoo International Pty Ltd tanneries. Brink, who was quality manager for Cape Karoo International’s Leather Division, based in Mosselbaai, retired at the end of January. Kenalemang was appointed as the new quality manager. He is based in Oudtshoorn. ...more

Oudtshoorn, W. Cape, SA – Salomé Atmore, who was posted to the Netherlands several years ago by multinational beauty care company Coty, has returned to SA and been appointed Head of Leather at Cape Karoo International (CKI).“I worked closely with European markets shaped by luxury, craftsmanship, and evolving sustainabil ...more

In leather terms, South Africa has a generally robust agricultural sector producing abundant and varied raw materials.On the bovine side, its semi-processed tanneries and its footwear upper leather and furniture upholstery tanneries are stable, but its automotive upholstery leather tanneries are currently quiet.On the sheepskin side, semi ...more

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 ...more

The impact of a 30% duty on exports of ostrich leather and feathers from SA to the USA ...more

Cape Town, W. Cape, SA – The winners of the 2024 Twyg Sustainable Fashion Awards will be announced on 20 November (Wednesday) at the Mount Nelson Hotel.There are 11 categories, and a full list of categories and finalists can be found at https://twyg.co.za/awards/The footwear, accessories, farm-to-fashion, and retail finalists are (I ...more

Several SA raw materials make it into H&M’s value chain, but so far, no finished goods ...more

Mossel Bay, W. Cape, SA – We are now nearly 5 years down the line, since the KKI and Mosstrich/SCOT merger. The new name Cape Karoo International (CKI) is now well known among all international and local buyers of ostrich leather. Our clients across the globe also have switched now to “CKI” as the new brand, understandin ...more

Lenasia, Gauteng, SA – At Diadora South Africa, we uphold a commitment to delivering premium quality and innovation across 3 divisions: Lifestyle, Performance, and Team Sports. Each division is meticulously curated to meet the diverse needs and preferences of our local clientele.Sponsorships: In our continuous efforts to support and ...more

 African Leather: What is interesting about the Barnini spray arm?The Barnini Robot system is the first multi-patented leather loading system in the world, that is capable of automatically loading leather from a stand, platform or chain.The robot system is also capable of finishing panels or whole skins, simulating production systems ...more

African Leather: Was CKI looking for anything specific, and if so, what were you looking for?CKI combined Tanning Tech with a visit to Sante Croce suppliers and tanneries to determine what technologies and practices are available to improve finishing techniques.African Leather: Were there any developments which caught your attention, what ...more

The leather industry - especially the exotic leather industry - has to accept that it will not be treated fairly. So, like Caesar's wife, it must be above suspicion ...more

Melbourne (Australia) -  Trade magazine Footwear News Australia has closed after 37 years.        In a mail to readers, publisher/editor Vicki Hatton, who took over the magazine founded by her father, Bob Grant, blamed declining advertising and subscription revenues and increased printing and distribution costs.&n ...more