From the Desk of Executive
Director, Nerisha Jairaj
When industry, government, and development partners work together with a shared vision, we create opportunities that not only grow businesses but strengthen the future of the entire sector. Through our ongoing collaboration with the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic), Southern African Footwear & Leather Industries Association (SAFLIA), and the eThekwini Footwear & Leather Cluster (EFLC), we continue creating opportunities that support skills development, international exposure, export growth, and industry competitiveness.
May reflected the power of this collective approach. From international trade engagement in Asia to world-class design and product development workshops in Durban, the month showcased what becomes possible when industry stakeholders work together with a unified vision to grow South African manufacturing and position local businesses confidently within global markets.
As we continue opening doors internationally while strengthening capability locally, we remain encouraged by the passion, resilience, and innovation shown by manufacturers across the sector.
Best regards,
Nerisha Jairaj Executive Director, SAFLEC
Table of Content
- SEDFA Webinar Empowers Brands Through Visual Storytelling
- Micro Export Program Empowers 10 South African Businesses for Global Growth
- Stepping into the Future: 3D Footwear Design Training Empowers Local Brands
- Collaborating for Market Insight: SAFLEC, SACTWU, and the German Chamber Explore Entry into Germany
- Trade Shows – October Highlights
- Join The Movement: Don’t Miss Out
- Calendar & Upcoming Events
- Social Media
Guangzhou Shoes & Leather Exhibition – Opening South Africa to Asia
A Milestone for South Africa
May marked a significant milestone for SAFLEC and the South African footwear and leather industry, with official participation at the Shoes & Leather Guangzhou in China — one of Asia’s leading trade platforms for footwear, leather, manufacturing technology, materials, and sourcing.
Why China Matters
- Strategic Market Diversification: Asia has become a key alternative target market for government, reducing reliance on traditional regions.
- High‑Value Products: South Africa’s handmade exotics and leather goods, produced in low volumes but commanding premium prices, strengthen profit margins and sustainability.
- Global Buyer Alignment: International buyers set the pace of trade. If they are in Asia, South Africa must be there too.
- Benchmarking & Competitor Analysis: The exhibition provided direct insight into global trends, innovation, and competitor positioning.
Showcasing South African Excellence
A total of 10 South African delegates proudly exhibited at the event, presenting locally manufactured products to international buyers, sourcing agents, manufacturers, and industry stakeholders. This marked SAFLEC’s second engagement in China this year, underscoring a growing focus on strengthening South Africa’s visibility in the Asian market.
Building Global Connections
The exhibition created valuable opportunities for engagement around innovation, manufacturing trends, materials, sustainability, and trade collaboration. It also strengthened relationships with representatives from DTIC and the Vietnam Association, reinforcing South Africa’s credibility in international trade circles.
Key Outcomes
- Strong international interest and positive engagement with South African products and manufacturing capability.
- Strengthened relationships with global stakeholders, buyers, and Asian market representatives.
Why This Matters
- Asia’s Influence: Asia remains one of the world’s most powerful footwear and leather markets — a space South Africa can learn from and contribute to.
- Global Visibility: International exposure elevates South Africa’s position in trade and sourcing conversations.
- Long‑Term Growth: Building relationships in global markets creates sustainable opportunities for export expansion and collaboration.
Arsutoria International Footwear & Leather Design Workshop – Durban
One of the major highlights for May was the highly anticipated Arsutoria International Footwear & Leather Design Workshop, hosted in Durban from 25–29 May 2026.
Funded this year by major sponsor SAFLIA, SAFLEC, and EFLC, the intensive one-week programme brought together 20 manufacturers for an immersive week of international-level training and industry engagement.
The workshop attracted business owners, designers, production teams, and export-focused manufacturers, creating a practical and collaborative environment focused on strengthening product competitiveness, design capability, and global market readiness.
Sessions focused on design development, trend forecasting, branding, merchandising, and developing collections aligned to international market expectations. The programme also encouraged participants to think more strategically about positioning their products within increasingly competitive global markets.
Adding further value to the programme, one participating delegate/company will receive a scholarship opportunity to attend and study at the internationally recognised Arsutoria School in Italy — creating a direct pathway for international skills development and global industry exposure.
Key Outcomes
- Strengthened industry understanding of global design, branding, merchandising, and market trends in line with global trends 2027/2028 in prep for export ranges.
· Scholarship opportunity created for one delegate/company to study at Arsutoria School in Italy
Why This Matters
Keeping the Industry abreast of the latest and future trends helps us help you stay ahead of the curve. It is the corner stone of competitiveness both in the local and international markets.
We need to understand the future trends to add to our DNA and create attractive products to our buyers.
Upcoming Workshops & Programmes – June 2026
As SAFLEC and EFLC continue driving industry development, market readiness, and skills enhancement, several important workshops and programmes are scheduled for June 2026.
Upcoming June Programmes
- Arsutoria Cape Town Workshop – 01–02 June 2026
- ILO Women Empowerment Workshop – 01–05 June 2026
- Growth Coalition Programme with CDI – 03–05 June 2026
- Comrades Expo – 11–13 June 2026
- Global Sourcing Expo Australia – 16–18 June 2026
- Korea Import Fair – 23–25 June 2026
These programmes continue to support skills development, export readiness, market access, and industry growth across the footwear, leather, handbag, and fashion manufacturing sectors.
This month reflected a sector that continues to grow through partnership, innovation, and global engagement. As South African manufacturers expand their presence internationally while strengthening local capability, the future of the footwear and leather industry continues to look increasingly confident, competitive, and globally connected.
Exciting new opportunities are on the horizon for our Western Cape members, with impactful programmes focused on industry growth, skills development, innovation, and market readiness set to launch soon. As we continue building a stronger, more competitive, and proudly South African footwear and leather sector, we encourage members to stay connected — big announcements and programme details are coming soon.
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:
Let’s keep moving forward positively no matter the challenges.
Warm regards,
Nerisha Jairaj Executive Director, SAFLEC