The Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Mr Andrew Whitfield says the Clothing and Textile sector has a critical role to play in South Africa’s economic recovery and re-industrialisation efforts.
He was addressing the Annual General Meeting and 20-year anniversary of the Cape Clothing and Textile Cluster held at UVU Africa in Cape Town.
In his address, Whitfield highlighted some key targets of the Government of National Unity aimed at revitalising the South African economy; among them, the creation of 100 000 new direct jobs in manufacturing, a 4.1% growth in manufacturing exports and a 3% average annual GDP growth during the current term of government.
He said that under the Government of National Unity, the dtic is advancing a bold, coordinated industrial strategy, one the builds real momentum behind inclusive economic growth and job creation. However, government alone cannot achieve sector revitalisation. This requires collaboration with key stakeholders, through platforms such as clusters, on factory floors, in skills development hubs, and within local ecosystems that are solving problems and scaling practical solutions every day.
“The Cape Clothing and Textile Cluster (CCTC) is not just a regional initiative, it is a catalyst. Through shared services, coordinated skills training, and supplier development, this cluster is helping to build a stronger, more competitive, and more sustainable industry from the ground up. It is strengthening local supply chains, enhancing productivity, and enabling firms, large and small, to respond to global market demands with agility and innovation,” he said.
He added that working with all its key partners through the Retail–Clothing Textile Footwear Leather Master Plan, government is committed to doing the work necessary to deal with the trade imbalance that has resulted in the staggering 223% rise of imports within the sector.
“We must boost export capacity, focusing on quality, reliability, and compliance, to reach key global markets with premium finished goods. We need to be ready, on standards, on delivery, on traceability. And we must shift from being exporters of raw input to suppliers of premium, finished product. The road ahead is clear, and the groundwork is already in place. Through collaboration, innovation, and continued investment in people and partnerships, we can ensure that this sector not only survives, but thrives,” he emphasised.
Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Mr Andrew Whitfield, addressing members of the Cape Clothing and Textile Cluster during their Annual General Meeting and 20-Year anniversary celebration which took place at UVU Africa in Cape Town.
Enquiries
Bongani Lukhele – Director: Media Relations
Tel: (012) 394 1643
Mobile: 079 5083 457
WhatsApp: 074 2998 512
E-mail: BLukhele@thedtic.gov.za
Issued by: The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic)
X: @the_dtic
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thedti?mibextid=ZbWKwL
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thedtic
Website : https://www.thedtic.gov.za/
Share this:
