Textiles get lifeline to boost jobs

23 Aug 2010

The KwaZulu-Natal department of economic development and tourism has thrown a lifeline to retrenched workers from the textile industry - pumping a whopping R30-million into it.

What was once a vibrant and competitive industry is today challenged by a large numbers of retrenchments.

The reasons for the layoffs include cheap imports from China and a lack of modernisation and upgrading of machinery.

Department MEC Mike Mabuyakhulu said the intervention was aimed at achieving the broad-based economic empowerment policy (BBEE) through cooperatives encompassed with provision of sustainable employment.

It also intends to increase the participation of previously marginalised individuals in the textile and clothing value chain.

He said the department was providing the necessary support and assistance through start-up funding that would assist the 18 hubs throughout the province.

"The project started to function in August 2009 and to date 18 hubs have been established," Mabuyakhulu said.

"The department pumped R30million into the project. Hubs are at different levels of production. The project is supported by retailers and municipalities like eThekwini and uMgungundlovu."

Source: Sowetan

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