Table of Content

• Breaking Ground with 3D Printing: A Milestone for South Africa’s Footwear Sector
• Global Showcase: Where We’ve Been
• Allfashion Sourcing Show 2025: A Vital Home-Ground Win for SA
• South African Craftsmanship Captivates at CISIE China
• SAFLEC’s Executive Director Joins High-Level China Round Table with National Leadership
• SAFLEC Secures Full Membership in CIFA
• Join The Movement: Don’t Miss Out
• Calendar & Upcoming Events
• Social Media

Breaking Ground with 3D Printing: A Milestone for South Africa’s Footwear

Sector

In a landmark collaboration, the eThekwini Cluster  for the Footwear and Leather Industry (EFLC) and SAFLEC, have used the technology available at Innovate and have launched a pioneering initiative that harnesses 3D printing to revolutionize the development of sample lasts and soles—ushering in a new era of efficiency, accessibility, and fairness for South African manufacturers.

While 3D printing technology has long existed in South Africa, its application in sample production remained underutilized due to ownership ties between service providers and footwear manufacturers, raising concerns around competitiveness and neutrality. This latest initiative decisively breaks that barrier.

Innovate, an independent facility with the necessary 3D printing infrastructure, was selected to host the project, ensuring an impartial environment free of industry bias. To guide the technical validation of the process, respected consultant Mr. Russel Addinall was contracted for a three-month trial, during which sample lasts and soles were successfully printed and tested on-site in a live factory environment.

The goal? To dramatically reduce turnaround time and cost in sample development—enabling manufacturers to produce more samples and get them to buyers faster, thereby improving market responsiveness and export readiness.

By eliminating logistical bottlenecks and fostering open access to cutting-edge technology, this collaboration not only levels the playing field but positions South Africa’s footwear industry at the forefront of innovation-driven export excellence.

Global Showcase: Where We’ve Been

South Africa Makes Confident Strides at Korea Import Fair

Ten standout manufacturers representing South Africa’s footwear, handbags, and clothing sectors took centre stage at the Korea Import Fair this July. With products rooted in heritage and elevated by innovation, the delegation drew attention from buyers and partners across East Asia.

This showcase wasn’t just about presence—it was about precision. Each exhibitor delivered tailored offerings, reflecting market-specific insights and a growing appetite for African craftsmanship in Korea’s fashion ecosystem.

The event marked a strategic expansion into a promising corridor, reinforcing South Africa’s reputation for quality, versatility, and export readiness. For many, the fair opened doors to long-term partnerships and deeper regional engagement.

Allfashion Sourcing Show 2025: A Vital Home-Ground Win for SA

South Africa’s footwear, leather, and clothing sectors made an impactful showing at the Allfashion Sourcing Show 2025—widely regarded as the best edition since COVID. With DTIC-sponsored stands and joint representation by EFLC and SAFLEC, manufacturers maximized exposure and net buyer engagement.

The large Chinese presence underscored the importance of local participation—this is South Africa’s home ground, and showcasing here is critical to defending our footprint in the regional value chain.

From global networking to lead generation, the event affirmed our export readiness and strategic edge.

South African Craftsmanship Captivates at CISIE China

Through DTIC’s National Pavilion programme, four South African companies stepped onto the global stage at CISIE China with a compelling showcase of handmade bags and exotic luxury items. Representing a fusion of heritage and high-end design, their collections resonated deeply with China’s new generation of buyers seeking authenticity and innovation.

The response was immediate—confirmed sales exceeded R1 million, with distributors across the region expressing keen interest in long-term partnerships to sustain this commercial momentum.

This success highlights not just product appeal, but South Africa’s growing presence in Asia’s fashion landscape. For our artisans and exporters, CISIE was more than a show—it was a gateway to new markets, new relationships, and new possibilities.

Deputy President of South Africa

SAFLEC’s Executive Director Joins High-Level China Round Table

with National Leadership

In a significant diplomatic milestone, Executive Director of SAFLEC, Ms. Nerisha Jairaj, was among a select group invited to accompany Deputy President Shipokosa Paulus Mashatile and senior government officials to China for a strategic round table aimed at deepening bilateral trade and investment ties.

The delegation included Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition Mr. Parks Tau, who actively promoted South African exports across multiple sectors—including mining, gas, agro-processing, and creative industries—during the launch of the South African National Pavilion at the China International Supply Chain Expo (CISCE).

For SAFLEC, the round table unlocked new opportunities to position South African luxury and handmade products within China’s exclusive digital marketplace, Red Book, an app accessible only to Chinese consumers and highly influential among younger buyers.

Beyond market access, the event facilitated direct engagement with Minister of Agriculture Mr. John Steenhuisen, allowing Ms. Jairaj to raise longstanding concerns around veterinary permits for leather imports—a critical issue affecting the footwear and leather sector. The Minister assured that the matter would receive special attention, signalling a potential breakthrough for manufacturers.

Further discussions with Minister of Tourism Ms. Patricia de Lille opened doors for collaborative efforts to promote “Made in South Africa” shoes and bags through South African Tourism’s global campaigns and programs.

While the outcomes depend on the delivery of promises made, the strategic connections forged during this visit mark a turning point for South Africa’s export councils. SAFLEC’s presence ensured that the footwear and leather industry had a credible voice in shaping the future of trade relations with China.

SAFLEC Secures Full Membership in CIFA, Unlocking Global Collaboration for

South Africa’s Footwear and Leather Sector

After a rigorous three-year observation and initiation period, the South African Footwear and Leather Export Council (SAFLEC), and Executive Director Ms. Nerisha Jairaj, has officially become a full member of the Confederation of International Footwear Associations/Councils (CIFA)—a prestigious global body that admits members strictly by invitation.

This milestone marks a significant leap forward for South Africa’s export ambitions. Full membership grants SAFLEC access to shared intelligence on global market dynamics, environmental challenges, and strategic opportunities. It also enables benchmarking against international best practices and opens doors to collaborative platforms that support innovation, sustainability, and competitiveness.

At the CIFA round table, the dominant theme was reciprocal tariffs and their impact on global trade. Deputy Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry of Malaysia. Liew Chin Tong emphasized that while tariff barriers remain a challenge, CIFA’s collective membership—now representing nearly half of the world’s population—offers a powerful solution. “If trade is conducted solely among CIFA members, the losses experienced through external tariffs can be significantly mitigated,”

SAFLEC’s inclusion signals growing recognition of South Africa’s craftsmanship and strategic relevance in the global footwear and leather landscape. With CIFA membership now secured, the council is well-positioned to drive forward-thinking initiatives that benefit both local manufacturers and international partners.

Join The Movement: Don’t Miss Out

Not a SAFLEC member yet? The industry isn’t waiting—and neither should you. Get access to funding, exclusive trade missions, premium training, and more. Email prenisha@saflec.co.za to unlock the benefits.

Stay Connected Let’s keep flying the flag for South African craftsmanship together—follow us and be part of the story:

SOCIAL MEDIA

Calendar & Upcoming Events

Workshops & Training

• 2-week Handbag Making Course – August 2025
• SAFLEC AGM & EFLC Networking dinner – 06 August 2025

International Trade Shows

• Autumn Fair, Birmingham – September 2025
• Who’s Next, Paris – September 2025 
• Fashion World Tokyo – October 2025

Africa Missions

• Kenya – 5 to 12 September 2025
• Ivory Coast – 3 to 10 October 2025

More dates and details to follow—keep an eye on your inbox!

Let’s keep this rhythm going. With every event, skill and story, we’re shaping an industry worth watching—and worth celebrating.