Cape Town’s clothing industry closes 2021 on a high with Business Accelerator project

Cape Town’s clothing industry is closing 2021 on a high after they announced the winners of the first Business Accelerator project managed by the City’s Special Business Partner, the Cape Clothing and Textile Cluster (CCTC). Read more below:

Funded by the Enterprise and Investment Department, the initiative matched small enterprise manufacturers with opportunities at large leading retailers, and provided them with training to unlock procurement and build new and long-term supply relationships.

After weeks of hard work from all the SMMEs, medical scrubs manufacturer, Sabafuraha was awarded the top prize that includes a R20 000 cash injection and a mentorship programme with industry leaders.

‘Sabafuraha exemplifies the resilience and innovation of Cape Town’s clothing and textile industry and the determination of entrepreneurs who are the backbone of our economy. As the City, we have seen the value of supporting industry growth in such an impactful way,’ said Alderman James Vos, the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth.

Founded in 2017 by Moshibudi Piet and her sister Lehlogonolo, Sabafuraha creates African-inspired attire for medical practitioners, commonly referred to as scrubs. The brand also aims to create job opportunities for women from vulnerable communities.

Aside from her business being declared the overall winner, Piet also scooped the award for the Best Business Pitch. She was joined on the podium by runner-up, Joy Ezeka of Zuri and Imani design studio, and  Suraya Williams of Design Twenty-Six achieved a third place, she was also the recipient of the High Impact Award.

‘Connecting lead enterprises in the sector with their future suppliers is one of the key objectives of the CCTC Business Accelerator. This event not only facilitates development opportunities for small businesses, but also creates a platform for large retailers, including Woolworths, Cape Union Mart, Pepclo and Pepkor Speciality, to meet potential local suppliers.

‘In addition, the ongoing support from South Africa’s lead enterprises in the sector, the CCTC and the Business Accelerator is only possible due to its proud and long-standing partnership with the City of Cape Town,’ said Wesley Fallon, Senior Project Manager of the CCTC.

Alderman Vos emphasised that supporting Cape Town’s high growth sectors via SBPs such as the CCTC meant that the City was able to directly boost jobs and economic growth.

‘It has been a challenging few years for Cape Town’s industries and the economy at large. Despite this, businesses have displayed determination. I am proud that as the City, we can support these enterprises, communities and industries because it means that we can ensure that opportunities become more accessible to more Capetonians,’ said Alderman Vos.