From the Desk of Executive
Director, Nerisha Jairaj
Season’s greeting dear members. As we embark on a new chapter, 2024, let’s channel our collective energy towards elevating our industry to unprecedented heights. Together, we possess the power to turn challenges into triumphs and obstacles into opportunities. Let’s ignite the spark of innovation and passion that defines us, and march forward with unwavering determination. Welcome to a year of boundless possibilities and unparalleled success!
Read below for exciting updates and collaborative opportunities.
Best regards,
Nerisha Jairaj Executive Director, SAFLEC
Table of Content
- Topic 1: Looking Forward & Not Back
- Topic 2: World Footwear News
- Topic 3: SOCIAL MEDIA
- Topic 4: UPCOMING EVENTS
Topic 1:
Look Forward & Not Back
Yes, the past years have been challenging, from financial to leadership, to a disconnect of us as an industry as a whole. There have been tears, frustrations, anger, and more…every reason to blame, vent, and scream OF THE UNFAIRNESS OF IT ALL. It has affected us too at SAFLEC, BUT we are choosing to be positive and drive that positivity to you, our members. We want to be that one voice that keeps you fighting by not dwelling on challenges but by motivating you to look to solutions. So dear member, “Step into a realm of boundless potential and infinite possibilities as we reignite the fire of passion in the South African footwear and leather industry! Despite the trials of yesteryear, we emerge stronger, more resilient, and ready to conquer new horizons. Let’s kickstart this year with a resounding declaration of our unwavering commitment to excellence. With every stitch, every cut, and every design, we weave a tapestry of innovation and craftsmanship that sets the world ablaze with admiration. Together, let’s sculpt a future where challenges are mere stepping stones to greatness, where setbacks fuel our determination, and where success is not just a destination, but a journey of relentless pursuit. Welcome, champions of change, to a thrilling odyssey of triumph and transformation in the heart of South Africa’s footwear and leather landscape!”
Topic 2:
World Footwear News
When asked about the role of innovation and technology is in helping us achieve sustainability?
Sergio Dulio: In a certain sense, yes. It’s an indissoluble role, in fact, which will be the end of my message tomorrow. As we heard in the Congress in Milano, there is no sustainability without innovation and innovation must be driven by sustainability. So, technology plays a vital role, all different kinds of technologies, soft and hard ones. I don’t think the two things can live separately. They are part of the same evolution of our sector for the future. Technology is important and will remain important, more and more important. What we will see is the diversification of technologies that will be needed to be sustainable and that will be part of the company lexicon. As footwear manufacturers, we are used to considering technology mainly as we need machines. Then, we learn we need software to design shoes. But now we are learning that we need competence in materials, we need competence in artificial intelligence, we need competence in virtual reality. All these technologies will appear in the landscape of the tool kits that companies must have to be innovative and sustainable.
WORD FOOTWEAR INTERVIEW
SERGIO DULIO NEW CHAIRMAN OF UITIC
Topic 3:
SOCIAL MEDIA
Our social media platforms have been hitting record-breaking hits. Our recent campaign obtained over 14,800,000 impressions and over 540,000 engagements, boosted to followers in the rest of Africa, Europe, Middle East, and North America. We encourage you to take advantage of our efforts to promote you. Send us content to push your company and brands. Also like, follow, and forward our links to your contact lists. Let us build the following globally so that we can show the world our capability.
Twitter: @SAFLECEXPORT
Facebook: @SAFOOTWEAREXPORT
Instagram: @saflec_team
Youtube: SAFLEC
Topic 4:
UPCOMING EVENTS
Seoul Living Design Fair
28 Feb – 03 Mar 2024
Hong Kong Trade Show
19 – 21 Mar 2024
3D Online Handbag & Accessories Design Course
09 Feb – 01 Mar 2024
As we move forward, we recognize the importance of re-learning and adapting to global needs, demands, and challenges while embracing new strategies to thrive in the post-covid era.
