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17 Apr 2012

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) wishes to re-iterate its disappointment with the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee’s (SASCOC) decision to procure the National Olympic Team kit for the London 2012 Olympic Games later this year, from foreign suppliers. This is despite competitive capabilities available amongst domestic manufacturers and represents a lost opportunity in terms of domestic sales and jobs.

The DTI is of the view that local manufacturers require the support of all local procurement agents so that they can build the economies on a scale needed to grow and create the much needed decent jobs in these labour intensive sectors.

According to the department, South Africa's Textiles, Clothing, Leather and Footwear Sectors are showing positive signs of recovery and stability returning. This is due to the collective efforts of all stakeholders including retailers, manufacturers, organised labour, as well as provincial and national governments to raise the capabilities and competitiveness of the industry.

The recovery of the industry is amongst others being led by the dti's Clothing and Textiles Competitiveness Programme which has supported intensive upgrading of the industry since 2009. Through these programmes the local manufacturers are becoming globally competitive and are steadily regaining the local retail market share which was lost to the Far East imports before 2009.

Issued by: Department of Trade and Industry
17 Apr 2012

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