In an interview, Courtney Barnes, shared her insights on the key opportunities for South African (SA) manufacturers and how the cluster will support the realization of the R-CTFL Masterplan of 65% local sourcing by 2030.
Agility, quality, and price are the key opportunities for SA manufacturers, according to Courtney Barnes. In order to meet these standards, manufacturers with outwork capabilities in-house or via partnerships nearby can support reduced lead times. Resilience from load shedding to ensure on-time, in-full delivery is crucial – investment into solar energy given the changes to national legislation and tax incentives are a big opportunity for the industry.
In terms of product opportunities, Barnes notes that there has been a large swing to casual and athletic wear over the last few years, but trends are cyclical, and there is an increasing appetite for more formal and occasional wear in the Global North. This trend will definitely grow in South Africa, and SA manufacturers should be prepared for it.
For textile manufacturers, the ability to offer more flexible dying, printing, and finishing capabilities is a noted opportunity to support any retailer on their quick response journey. For outwork firms, there is an increased demand for both embroidery and printing capabilities under one roof – especially for t-shirts.
Footwear and leather opportunities are often driven by price sensitivities, with the market bifurcated into low-end [flip-flops] and high-end [leather dress-shoes, craft-style designer shoes, etc.]. Barnes sees a market opportunity in the missing middle, although the industry faces challenges in accessing affordable raw materials, skills, and competition from cheap imports that would need to be overcome.
To support the realization of the R-CTFL Masterplan of 65% local sourcing by 2030, Barnes explains that the cluster’s programmes work to make manufacturing in South Africa profitable for the manufacturer and their customer. Their shared learning and skills programmes support knowledge sharing and the development of lean manufacturing tools to improve cost competitiveness, quality, and agility within their members.
Their Accelerator directly supports the Masterplan’s transformation agenda by linking high-potential black manufacturers with large retailers looking to expand their sourcing. Meanwhile, their Diagnostics and research programmes aim to equip their members with data and insights to make more informed decisions to improve their performance.
In conclusion, Barnes provides valuable insights into the key opportunities for SA manufacturers and how the cluster will support the realisation of the R-CTFL Masterplan of 65% local sourcing by 2030. By investing in solar energy, being agile, and offering flexible dying, printing, and finishing capabilities, SA manufacturers can position themselves for success. Additionally, the cluster’s programmes offer support to make manufacturing in South Africa profitable, ensuring that the industry can grow and thrive in the years to come.