Clothing industry graduates stitch new opportunities with City-funded leadership programme

22 April 2024

Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth, Alderman James Vos joined the Cape Clothing and Textile Cluster (CCTC), the City’s partner in the industry, for a graduation ceremony to celebrate 66 young learners who took part in a City-funded leadership programme.

The programme came on the back of a research report by the CCTC which highlighted the industry's low youth participation, especially within leadership roles.

'The training responds directly to the needs of the industry and aims to empower participants with lean manufacturing fundamentals and problem-solving skills that are crucial for enhancing competitiveness and efficiency within the sector .'

The programme came on the back of a research report by the CCTC which highlighted the industry's low youth participation, especially within leadership roles.

'In 2023, 371 million clothing and textile units were sourced from South African manufacturers. An estimated 100 million of these were sourced from Cape Town. It is further worth noting that the clothing and textile manufacturing industry contributes R3,1 billion to Cape Town's economy.

'The local industry is aiming to place 8 000 people into jobs over the next two years. By upskilling young employees to fill management roles, the City, via the CCTC is helping to create a sustainable succession and economic growth plan for the sector for years to come,' said Alderman Vos.

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Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office