Parks Tau Highlights Success of Sector Master Plans in Driving Job Creation and Growth

A key initiative under the Retail–Clothing Textile Footwear Leather Master Plan is the redesigned Clothing Textile Footwear Leather Growth Programme (CTFLGP), launched in 2022.

Trade, Industry, and Competition Minister Parks Tau has underscored the importance of accelerating the implementation of sector master plans as a central priority of the seventh administration. Since his appointment two months ago, Minister Tau has stressed that these master plans are crucial for increasing investment, boosting exports, creating jobs, promoting localisation, and facilitating transformation.

A key initiative under the Retail–Clothing Textile Footwear Leather Master Plan is the redesigned Clothing Textile Footwear Leather Growth Programme (CTFLGP), launched in 2022. This programme has already led to the creation of over 20,000 jobs, with objectives focusing on import substitution, job creation, transformation, and competitiveness improvement.

One notable beneficiary of the CTFLGP is R and L Apparel, a woman-owned company based in Newcastle, KwaZulu-Natal. The company received government funding to purchase equipment, machinery, and initial working capital, enabling it to expand its Cut, Make, Trim (CMT) manufacturing capacity.

Solis Benjie Dolores, Managing Director of R and L Apparel, reported that the support significantly boosted the company's production capacity and job creation. "With the funding, we grew from 17 to 103 employees, 98 of whom are women. We are now aiming to create an additional 150 jobs," Dolores said. She praised the programme for transforming the company from a struggling operation into a growing business.

Argento, another success story from the CTFLGP, is based in Mandeni, KwaZulu-Natal. Joudalle Govender, Managing Director, shared how the funding facilitated operational improvements and job creation. "The funding allowed us to re-tool our factory with new machinery, creating 45 new jobs and increasing our production capacity," Govender said. She also highlighted plans to expand the company, adopt sustainable practices, and explore new markets.

The CTFLGP has been instrumental in promoting sustainability, innovation, and competitiveness within the industry. Dr. Jaywant Irkhede, Director of Clothing and Leather at the Department of Trade, Industry, and Competition (the dtic), noted that over R1.87 billion has been approved for 154 businesses, employing nearly 24,000 people, with R1.41 billion disbursed by July this year.

These successes reflect the vital role of sector master plans and the positive impact of collaboration between government, business, and labour on South Africa's economy.