Argento Trading 117cc is a 100% black-owned, women-led Cut-Make-Trim (CMT) production facility based in Isithebe, KwaZulu-Natal. At the helm of Argento is the passionate and tenacious co-founder, Joudalle Govender who works alongside her husband TK Govender (founder and operational director). The couple are breaking boundaries in the local clothing and textile sector and take immense pride in their predominantly woman-managed and owned team, a diverse group of dedicated individuals who work passionately to bring their vision to life. As a leading CMT factory specialising in manufacturing corporate and fashion apparel, the company’s commitment to excellence, social responsibility, and empowerment sets them apart in the industry.

Growth and Development
Established with a vision for growth and community impact, Argento Trading 117cc is a proudly South African business that holds a unique position in the apparel industry. In addition to their expertise in manufacturing corporate and fashion apparel, they have taken strides to further enhance their vertical integration by establishing their own mill factory.

The mill factory plays a vital role in their commitment to producing high-quality garments. With state-of-the art equipment and skilled technicians, they are able to produce their own premium cotton fabric.

This vertical integration not only ensures the superior quality of their products but also allows them to have greater control over the entire production process, from raw material to the finished garment.

Argento Trading 117cc takes great pride in contributing to the growth and development of the local textile and apparel industry. By producing their cotton locally, they support the local economy and create job opportunities for talented individuals in their region. Moreover, this approach aligns perfectly with their core values of empowerment and social responsibility, as they actively invest in the well-being of their community.

Core Values
Their journey towards becoming a leader in the industry has been driven by the dedication of their predominantly woman-managed and owned team. Under Joudalle’s visionary leadership, Argento Trading, has evolved into a thriving company with a predominantly female workforce of 70 employees.

Joudalle has been the driving force behind Argento Trading’s success, consistently upholding the company’s core values of excellence, empowerment, inclusivity, social responsibility, and integrity.

One of her most significant achievements, she believes, is fostering a culture of stability within her company, where inclusivity and collaboration are the driving forces. “It’s no easy feat when you have to get 70 ladies to all be in agreement at any one time,” says Joudalle.

This dedication to creating a harmonious and empowering workplace has led Argento Trading to be recognised as the fastest-growing small medium enterprise through the SME Accelerator programme in 2023.

However, Joudalle says that her biggest achievement, and Argento’s as well, has been opening a training school for 18 young women from rural areas. She commented, ‘I think the training school was a highlight for me as a leader, which goes far beyond just monetary value, as leaving a legacy behind is important.”

Primary Audiences
Argento Trading 117cc products cater for two primary audiences:
• Corporate Clients: This includes businesses, organisations, and institutes seeking high-quality and customised corporate apparel for their staff.
• Fashion Brands: They partner with fashion brands looking for a reliable manufacturing partner to bring their brands to life with precision and finesse. Argento Trading has successfully manufactured for well-known brands.

A Lasting Legacy
As Argento Trading continues to grow, they remain committed to their mission of empowering individuals from disadvantaged areas, nurturing their skills, and positively impacting their wellness. Their ultimate vision is to be recognised as a brand that embodies social responsibility and integrity, not just within our nation but on an international stage.

Argento Trading 117cc is more than just a CMT factory; they are a symbol of progress, innovation, and pride for our nation. They invite you to be a part of their journey as they create a lasting legacy in the apparel industry, driven by their unwavering commitment to quality, empowerment, and the spirit of South Africa.