From the Desk of Executive
Director, Nerisha Jairaj
New Year, New Vision: Re-inventing the Footwear & Leather Industry for 2025
As we leave behind the hurdles of 2024, it’s time to embrace 2025 with fresh perspectives and bold innovation. The future is digital, and e-commerce is a powerful tool for growth. Let’s move beyond old ways of thinking, let go of complaints, and focus on solutions.
The challenges we’ve faced only serve as the foundation for new ideas and possibilities. It’s time to think outside the box, adapt to evolving markets, and build a thriving South African-made footwear and leather industry that’s ready to conquer new horizons.
Best regards,
Nerisha Jairaj Executive Director, SAFLEC
WHAT ARE WE UP TO?
2025: A Year of Growth, Innovation, and Global Expansion
As we embark on a new year, the opportunities for growth and innovation within the footwear and leather industry are more abundant than ever. With a fresh perspective and a solution-driven approach, 2025 is set to be a year of transformation. We are excited to share the roadmap for the year ahead, with key milestones and events designed to foster growth, both locally and globally.
What’s Next for the Footwear & Leather Industry in 2025:
- Trade Shows & Global Networking Opportunities
- Website & Branding Package Opportunity
- China Aid Opportunity – Seminars and Degree Support
- US Aid Magic Las Vegas Trade Show Opportunity
- DTLI Incubator Opportunity
- World Bank Supplier Diversity & Inclusion Vendor Forum Seminar
- TOR for Support in Manufacturing Sustainable Products
- The eThekwini footwear and leather cluster retailer program
- Join Us and Grow Together
- Compliance, Transparency, and Clarity: Strengthening Our Industry Together
- If You Are Not A Saflec Member You Are Losing Opportunities!!!
- Social Media
Trade Shows & Global Networking Opportunities
Our calendar for 2025 is packed with some of the most impactful trade shows and exhibitions across the globe and Africa. These events are the perfect platform for showcasing your products, networking with industry leaders, and gaining valuable insights into market trends. From international trade shows to regional showcases, we are committed to providing opportunities for every member of the industry to connect, learn, and grow. Get Involved and Expand Your Reach
We encourage all industry players to join us at the upcoming trade shows to take advantage of the exposure and partnerships that can drive growth. Whether you’re looking to expand into new markets, showcase your latest collections, or learn from others in the industry, these trade shows are essential for staying ahead of the curve. If you haven’t yet received the full calendar of trade shows for 2025, don’t hesitate to reach out to Adrianna at SAFLEC for all the details. We want to ensure that every member can participate in these valuable events and make the most of this year’s global and African trade opportunities.
Website & Branding Package Opportunity
We are excited to offer a limited opportunity for members to enhance their online presence and branding for 2025. As part of our ongoing support for the industry, we are providing access to a specialized website and branding package designed to help businesses stand out in a competitive market. This initiative will help elevate South African footwear and leather brands, ensuring that your online presence reflects the quality and innovation behind your products. TOR Sent Out – eThekwini Members, Apply Now! The Terms of Reference (TOR) for this exciting branding and website initiative have been sent out, and we strongly urge all eThekwini-based members to apply. This is an excellent opportunity to elevate your brand and reach new markets. Don’t miss out—apply now to secure your spot in this transformative initiative. An eThekwini footwear and leather cluster project- info@saflec.co.za
China Aid Opportunity – Seminars and Degree Support
We are thrilled to announce the China Aid opportunity sent to all members, which includes invitations to attend seminars in China focused on sustainability. This is a unique opportunity to gain insights into cutting-edge sustainability practices and connect with global experts. Additionally, this program offers support to cover degree courses in relevant fields, presenting an exciting chance for members to expand their knowledge and skills. Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to grow and innovate. The program is fully funded.
US Aid Magic Las Vegas Trade Show Opportunity
The US Aid Magic Las Vegas trade show opportunity has also been sent out to all members. This is a prestigious event offering members the chance to showcase their products to a global audience, build valuable connections, and explore new business prospects. We strongly encourage members to apply for this incredible opportunity to participate and elevate their brands on the world stage. The event is partially funded as the intent to get participation of serious firms with capacity who are willing to also invest in the growth of their businesses. Contact Cos – 0713685296
DTLI Incubator Opportunity
In January we sent out the application for the This program of one of our partners stakeholders and is specifically designed for SME and micro firms in the footwear, leather, and clothing sectors. It offers businesses the chance to access mentorship, resources, and development support to foster innovation and growth. If you’re looking to scale and enhance your operations, this incubator is a fantastic opportunity for growth and development in the industry. Closing date 31 January 2025. Contact info@dtli.org
World Bank Supplier Diversity & Inclusion Vendor Forum Seminar
We are also excited to share that members have had the opportunity to participate in the World Bank Supplier Diversity and Inclusion through a Vendor Forum Seminar. This seminar offers valuable insights into the global demand for diversity in supply chains and how businesses can engage in these opportunities to scale their reach and impact in international markets. This is an exciting initiative for members looking to expand their networks and inclusivity practices. Completed on 22 January 2025
TOR for Support in Manufacturing Sustainable Products
In addition, the TOR for support in manufacturing sustainable products has been sent out. This initiative provides valuable resources and assistance to members interested in adopting more sustainable manufacturing practices. It is an excellent opportunity to build eco-friendly solutions and align with the growing global demand for sustainable products in the footwear and leather industries. An eThekwini footwear and leather cluster project.
The eThekwini footwear and leather cluster retailer program
The eThekwini footwear and leather cluster retailer program – exciting news that the 5 successfully companies under this project have gone through on boarding with at least one supplier and at least 3 of the manufactures are in sampling stages. Where there is a will and less complication…. there is a way. 😉
Join Us and Grow Together
The challenges of 2024 are behind us, and now is the time to embrace innovation, expand our horizons, and grow as an industry. Let’s focus on solutions, think outside the box, and leave old ways of thinking behind. Together, we can make 2025 a year of success and sustainable growth for South African-made footwear and leather brands. Join us on this exciting journey and let’s achieve new heights together.
2025—Let’s Thrive!
Let’s Lead, Not Follow—Driving Exports and Global Growth!
Wham bam and thank you, ma’am!!!—who said we’re sitting on our laurels? At least 30 of our manufacturers have already been supported with digital business cards. Why? Because we’re desperate to move our members into the next era, ensuring that South African brands shine on the global stage. No one said we had to follow the trend—we can lead too!
We know that to increase exports and expand our global presence, it’s essential to have stellar marketing and branding collateral. That’s exactly what we’re providing: the tools, strategies, and innovation to elevate our members and help them compete internationally. We’ve shifted our focus to Gen Alpha, understanding the new buyer and consumer mindset across borders, ensuring that South African-made footwear and leather products are positioned to meet the demands of the global market.
And we didn’t stop there. The launch of “Made in South Africa” went into overdrive with influencer Kim Jayde, the Sneaker Freak, pushing at least 8 of our homegrown brands to her 300k-400k followers. This strategic move isn’t just for local impact—it’s all about increasing visibility and export opportunities for South African brands across the world. Yes, we start small but just wait—this is about to grow exponentially as we make waves on the global stage!
This is the new era of thinking: new methods, new ways, and an uncompromising focus on increasing exports and expanding our global footprint. Stay ahead or get left behind. That’s the mindset driving us at the start of 2025. We’re not just talking—we’re acting to expand the reach of South African-made brands beyond borders. We choose not to complain. Our actions speak for themselves.
So, how about you? Are you ready to join us in embracing change, pushing boundaries, and shaping the future of our industry on the global stage?
2025—Let’s Thrive, Lead, and Expand South African Brands Worldwide!
Compliance, Transparency, and Clarity: Strengthening Our Industry Together
As your export council, SAFLEC exists purely for the benefit of the industry. Everything we do is for you, our members, and we are committed to ensuring clarity and transparency in all our actions. In industries like ours, misinterpretation can easily arise without proper context, which is why we believe it is crucial to address any concerns you may have regarding non-compliant members.
As a non-profit organization with limited funding streams, we frequently collaborate with other bodies, such as trade and investment provincial agencies like TIKZN and WESGRO. These collaborations allow us to maximize our resources and create more opportunities for our industry. Through these partnerships, we sometimes encounter companies within the sector that were previously unknown to us but have already established an export footprint.
To support industry growth and integration, we have a few membership tiers one of which is a pre-membership tier. Companies invited to join this tier are given a 12-month provisional period to achieve bargaining council compliance if they are not already compliant. This is very similar to the CTLFGP grant start up ( we stand to be corrected, where there is a period given for compliance) Every six months, we engage with the bargaining council to support these manufacturers in their journey toward compliance.
When considering exports, we recognize two key factors: volume and value. Volume-based exports create employment, while value-based exports help reduce the trade deficit. Both are essential to South Africa’s economic growth. Some of our smaller members may have lower export volumes but produce high-value, bespoke products. For example, one of our manufacturers specializes in hand-crafted shoes that sell for over $5,000 in export markets. This contributes to addressing the trade deficit and must be acknowledged alongside volume-based manufacturers.
Another category of members we support are brand owners. To be accepted, brand owners must provide a letter from their South African manufacturer confirming that their brand is locally produced and bargaining council-compliant. We kindly request that if a brand ceases local production, the member informs us immediately.
As we enter 2025, our focus is on growth, good governance, and transparency. Every year, we invite industry feedback on how we can improve. Your suggestions help us refine our strategies and ensure we continue serving you effectively. Constructive criticism is welcome—we see it as a tool for growth.
We encourage you to engage with us. The SAFLEC team maintains an open-door policy and is always available to provide clarity on any uncertainties. Instead of making assumptions, reach out to us directly. We exist to serve you.
Please send your feedback and suggestions by the second week of February to info@saflec.co.za. Your input will be invaluable as we finalize our business and strategic plans for the year ahead.
Finally, we remind all members that SAFLEC communications are accessible to everyone, and all members have the opportunity to benefit from our initiatives—just reach out, apply, and take advantage of the resources available to you.
Let’s make 2025 a year of collaboration, growth, and shared success. To grow, we must become solution finders. Let’s build this industry together!
IF YOU ARE NOT A SAFLEC MEMBER YOU ARE LOSING OPPORTUNITIES!!!
Join SAFLEC and unlock a world of opportunities in the South African footwear and leather industry. As a member, gain access to vital resources, exclusive events, and networking platforms. With SAFLEC, seize the chance to expand into global markets through funding and support initiatives. Experience the thrill of collaborating with industry leaders, staying ahead of trends, and shaping the future of our craft. Do not just witness the excitement—be a vital part of it. Elevate your career and impact by becoming a member of SAFLEC today! Contact prenisha@saflec.co.za
SOCIAL MEDIA
Our social media platforms have been hitting record breaking hits. Our last post obtained over 160 000 likes, 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’s build the following globally, so that we can show the world our capability.