Textiles set for revival

ECONOMY: INDUSTRY HAS BEEN MAIN CONTRIBUTOR TO COUNTRY'S GDP

- Citizen reporter

MECHANIC. Noncedo Ntobongwana handles industrial sewing machines.

South Africa's textile and clothing sector has a rich history and contributes significantly to the country's economy and manufacturing capacity.

The sector has struggled over the past two decades, with its contribution to GDP and provision of employment opportunities decreasing despite some manufacturers actively fighting the trend.

However, through its Green Thread design studio and manufacturing facilities, launched in 2022, the Cape Union Mart Group has created nearly 346 direct manufacturing and design jobs in Cape Town.

The impact of this employment has an economic multiplier effect meaning the Green Thread operations contribute meaningfully to economic stability in a region where the clothing manufacturing sector has faced considerable challenges.

In collaboration with Thandeka Technical and Vocational Education and Training College, Green Thread Manufacturing offers a one-year learnership for youth looking to enter the sector.

Each year a cohort of 20 to 30 youngsters is introduced to garment manufacture which includes time in the GTM facility, shadowing staff and gradually being introduced to various roles.