Greetings one and all.
There is a subject close to my heart that I like to chat about, whenever I get the chance. That subject is the rather controversial topic of clothing manufacture in South Africa.
While some people shrug this topic off as “unimportant” or simply “old news”, I feel that it is important to reiterate as often as possible, just how important the clothing manufacture industry in South Africa really is.
For many of you this fiercely debated topic has significant importance, especially if you are a designer, or of course involved in the clothing manufacture industry itself.
When is it ok to look abroad for materials instead of sourcing local fabrics and CMT (cut, make & trim) factories?
Times are tough, I’ll give you that. Yes going over to places like China will be a cheaper way of sourcing materials and of course CMT
However, this is where things get difficult…that is of course if you have a conscience.
Morally speaking we should always opt to do our clothing manufacture right here in sunny South African.
We need to stimulate our local market and create jobs for our own citizens. If we keep buying abroad we are in essence shooting ourselves in the proverbial foot.
Sure it’s a quick fix to buy overseas, but if every single company has that mindset, pretty soon there will be fewer and fewer people who can actually buy our garments.
We here at Springleap.com are doing our best to keep the clothing manufacture local n’ lekker. All of our cotton is South African and the printing is also done locally. Yep, that point is most certainly a big thumbs up, for our business. I truly hope that we can keep it this way forever.
So what will it be? Perhaps a self serving quick fix or will you give some power back to the people??
I truly hope that we as designers and business owners will support local clothing manufacture and give our economy the boost it’s been waiting for.
What is your opinion on the matter? Do you think that I am living in an idealistic fantasy world, or is my message making a bit of sense?
D.
I worked as a buyer for one of the retail groups, and I hated the idea that they only wanted imported goods. I am so for local manufacturing, it supports our country and our people!I am no longer in retail and thinking of doing my M degree in fashion writing about local manufacturing and the impact in our country.
Thanks for supporting local manufacturers
Tanya van der Westhuizen
082 572 6294
me and my friend muzi have came up wit the grate idea,we gonna change the way people think and more expecially we want to change the way youth think,can u plz call me back on this number cauze we short of finance and we are still students,we dont have money to start,plzzz!!.i promise that it will be big,just believe in us.thanks
A major boost to the clothing manufacturing sector in SA is on the cards… So if you are interested in this topic - stay in touch. So I take it you are members of Proudly SA then? If not - talk to me so we get you registered… Then you will mix with like-minded people and we can implement some changes!
Hi
I am all for “made in S.A” infact I am trying to get my own line of childrens clothing started! however I am having truble sourcing a CMT and need advise on how to get this ball rolling! dont suppose you could offer any?
Thanks
Gem
Hi,
I must admit my first thoughts are also to source CMT abroad. Purely because it keeps costs down.
Having said that, I too am more recently feeling to be supportive of our local CMT. Offcoure I now look at a lower profit margin than preciously anticipated.
What a shock! In terms of pricing, information on local CMT and transparency. Why is it such a big secret about who’s who in the Zoo? Also China can do it for 100% cheaper and therefore have the secured business.. Perhaps local CMT should keep this in mind or would it be seriously debated once there are more job loses?
I am starting out and therefore my unit numbers are not high. I found this, coupled with the before mentioned barriers makes it nearly impossible to go local! Perhaps I am missing someting?!
How does the CMT industry become more user friendly and easier accessible?
I just won a contract due to the previous contractor unable to supply material which they were importing. I can have the material locally dyed but I’m still looking for a CMT company with experience in making conti-suits and dust coats. Smallish quantities of 50 and 100 at a time, but I have a couple of contracts. To find a reliable and competent company seems to be few and far between. Any suggestions?
i am all for ‘local is lekker’. I am all for job creation etc. Having said this, I started my own CMT company in May this year. on the outset of starting this business i commited to myself that this business would be a good way creating jobs & better life for at least a few South African’s. To my “Surprise”, firstly you can’t get work, those willing to give you work pay peanuts for the job .. i’m battling .. there goes my vision .. anyway still .. LETS KEEP IT LOCAL n LEKKER.
Hi, I’m a local clothing manufacturer and looking for job which I can do locally. If anyone has the order please contact me via email Thanx.
My email add: nw8598@hotmail.com
Hi
I am looking for South African manufacturer of children clothing for the export market
would it possible to advice me who i should try cant not find much on the internet thank for you column very interesting
veronica
Hi Veronica I manufacture ladies and kiddies clothing so feel free to email me ronald_vishwadaw@yahoo.com
Hi..! I’m Thabo I’m looking for good quality blank clouthing thet I can use for printing and embroidery.please contact me if you have a good price for me.
I need someone to make overalls, security wear, webbed belts and caps for me. Thank u.
Hello,
I am looking for a manufacturer in newborn till 5 years old in clothing
Please send me your details