CELEBRATING 20 YEARS OF GROWTH AND INNOVATION IN THE KZN CLOTHING AND TEXTILE SECTOR

PRESS RELEASE

The KwaZulu-Natal Clothing and Textile Cluster (KZNCTC) yesterday, 17 June, celebrated a significant milestone, marking 20 years of industry impact during its Annual General Meeting (AGM) held at the Textile and Clothing Centre of Excellence in Kloof.

For two decades, the KZNCTC has played a pivotal role in strengthening the competitiveness, sustainability and inclusivity of KwaZulu-Natal’s clothing and textile sector through strategic collaboration, innovation, skills development and industry partnerships.

More than a formal AGM, this year’s event served as a celebration of the cluster’s journey and achievements.

It brought together industry leaders, members, partners and key stakeholders to reflect on the sector’s progress, recognise valuable contributions, and explore future opportunities and challenges.

The occasion also featured the KZNCTC Awards, which honoured outstanding achievements and contributions across the clothing and textile value chain.

EThekwini Municipality was honoured with the Partnership of the Year Award in recognition of its collaborative efforts and ongoing support for the sector.

The Mr Price Group received the Value Chain Development Champion Award, while Jockey (Ninian & Lester) was recognised as the Productivity Champion.

Additional accolades included the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Scaling Up Award, presented to Biddywood Designs for its impressive business growth; the Industry Champion Award, presented to Adriaan Verhagen; and the Shared Learning Champion Award, awarded to DYEFIN Textiles.

Speaking on the milestone, Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Alexandra Abrahams, said the anniversary represents not only the organisation’s growth over the past 20 years, but also the collective commitment of industry stakeholders who have worked together to build a more resilient and globally competitive sector.

Deputy Head of the Economic Development Directorate, Takalani Rathiyaya, said the clothing and textile industry is more than an economic sector for the Municipality.

“It is a platform for inclusive development. It employs women at scale, absorbs semi-skilled workers who would struggle to find comparable opportunities elsewhere, and anchors communities across the province in productive and dignified employment,” said Rathiyaya.

Rathiyaya reaffirmed the Municipality’s continued support for the cluster’s vision and long-term goals.

“As the cluster enters its third decade, the ambition is clear: to deepen retail partnerships with Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, expand global learning opportunities, and pursue the creation of 5 000 new jobs through Project Assegai. EThekwini Municipality stands firmly behind that ambition,” he said.

As the cluster embarks on its next chapter, it remains committed to advancing industry transformation, supporting local manufacturing, strengthening the provincial clothing and textile value chain, and creating sustainable employment opportunities.

Issued by eThekwini Municipality’s Marketing and Communications Directorate.