Our impact Archive - TFG Limited

TFG adds warmth to City of Cape Town’s Safe Spaces

May 15, 2025

TFG, Taking Care of Business (TCB), a non-profit social enterprise, and MatDoc Projects, a Safe Spaces partner of the City of Cape Town, are stitching together a partnership to assist people living on the streets while promoting entrepreneurship and diverting textile waste from landfills.

Cape Town Executive Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis was on hand at the Safe Spaces Shelter in Green Point for the delivery of the first batch out of 2,500 sleeping bags made from upcycled store marketing materials and recycled fabric waste filling supplied by TFG.

TFG has partnered Safe Spaces within the City of Cape Town as the key beneficiary of these sleeping bags, with the first 200 sleeping bags being donated at this event.

Production of the sleeping bags is facilitated by TCB’s Remake Programme, which supports enterprise development and accelerates economic opportunities for previously unemployed women.

The project helps divert textile waste from TFG’s operations while upskilling unemployed South Africans through entrepreneurship in the circular economy.

TFG adds warmth to City of Cape Town’s Safe Spaces

TFG Data Science and Leadership Fellowship swells pipeline of highly qualified specialists

May 9, 2025

The TFG Data Science and Leadership Fellowship is making great strides in developing highly qualified specialists to serve the needs of the country and the economy. The fellowship, which funds the first and second years of study towards a MSc in Data Science, one of the country’s most scarce and critical skills, has accepted its third intake of students since it was launched in 2023.

The 12 fellows in this year’s cohort are made up of 6 new students on the fellowship and 6 others who are continuing with their second-year studies towards their master’s degrees at various leading South African universities.

From water quality and HIV treatment, to mapping the responsiveness of health services, data science master’s students supported by TFG are applying their remarkable talents to some of the thorniest social challenges of the day.

In addition to TFG’s annual financial support of over R2 million, the TFG Data Science and Leadership Fellowship provides a comprehensive mentoring and support programme to ensure the success of the beneficiaries. The inaugural intake saw four exceptional candidates complete their master’s degrees, and the second intake has six fellows currently completing their second year of studies.

TFG has hired two of the four graduates from the programme to date, while another is pursuing a post-doctoral degree.

The Fellowship is open to all South Africans, with a strong emphasis on academic excellence, innovation, creativity, and leadership potential, reflecting TFG’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.

TFG Data Science and Leadership Fellowship swells pipeline of highly qualified specialists

CSI Efforts Help Combat Gender-Based Violence

April 22, 2025

Among the biggest beneficiaries of TFG’s corporate social investment (CSI) programmes in the past year were two organisations making a powerful impact – one supporting vulnerable women and the other tackling gender-based violence (GBV) by reshaping ideas of masculinity among teenage boys.

The Frida Hartley Shelter in Johannesburg, which supports homeless women, expanded its impact with backing from Foschini. At the same time, Markham continued its partnership with What About the Boys, an initiative that helps high school learners challenge and dismantle harmful gender stereotypes.

These efforts were part of the more than R60 million contributed by our brands towards socio-economic and enterprise development in 2024.

Founded in Yeoville in 1922, the Frida Hartley Shelter provides accommodation, psychosocial support, and training to homeless women and their children who have experienced neglect, trauma, or abuse. Foschini has proudly supported the shelter for over three years, contributing to its skills development programme.

Launched in 2022 by youth development organisation Primestars, What About the Boys screens a national educational film that raises awareness about GBV. After each screening, mentorship sessions encourage boys to express emotions in healthy ways, stand up to bullying, and promote inclusion.

Through the sale of 25 000 branded T-shirts and sweaters, Markham has raised more than R1.5 million for the programme.

Foschini further supported the fight against GBV through partnerships with the Saartjie Baartman Centre and I Hear You, while Exact contributed to work by the Baartman Centre and the Kolisi Foundation.

Frida Hartley Shelter staff

Foschini supports efforts to restore women’s dignity

October 23, 2024

Chapter two of the Bill of Rights in the Constitution of South Africa says that everyone has inherent dignity and the right to have their dignity respected and protected. The Frida Hartley Shelter seeks to do just that – ensure that destitute women regain their human dignity and self-worth while under rehabilitation at the shelter.

As part of their socio-economic development contribution, Foschini has supported the Frida Hartley Shelter for the past three years and donated over R400 000, in support of their skills development programme for unemployed women who also receive psychosocial assistance, including counselling, while they seek job opportunities.

At the shelter, the women are accommodated for about three to six months, and in some cases, mothers are rehabilitated with their children, keeping the family unit together.

The Foschini beauty team also regularly offers their time to provide the women at the shelter with mini makeovers, including hair and nail treatments, boosting their confidence and helping them feel empowered and valued.

Empowering women is at the heart of everything Foschini does. The donation to the Frida Hartley women’s shelter reflects their unwavering commitment to creating a future where every woman has the support and resources she deserves to thrive.

Foschini team doing makeovers

Frida Hartley Shelter staff

TFG Youth Employment Contribution is recognised by YES ESG AWARDS

October 1, 2024

With such high youth unemployment statistics in South Africa, TFG is proud to be acknowledged as making a positive contribution to job creation. Being recognised as a Top 5 Youth Job Contributor at the YES ESG Awards recently bears testament to TFG’s commitment specifically to skills development, ensuring that unemployed young people are prepared for real jobs.

In 2024, more than 45% young people are reported to be unemployed, according to Stats SA.

“Since 2021, we have invested over R100m in our participation in YES, with more than 2,300 young people receiving work experience with us and will be creating an additional 1,300 jobs to support this initiative over the next few months. A highlight has been that we have appointed more than 60% into permanent positions, whilst many others go on to be employed by other corporates. This is evidence of the success of the programme in preparing unemployed young people for real jobs,” said TFG CEO, Anthony Thunström.

TFG has the highest absorption rate in the YES Programme

Hundreds of YES participants have been absorbed into permanent roles within the TFG business, with a deliberate and carefully crafted approach to talent acquisition, mentorship and skills development, and with a key focus on “educating to employ”.

Through its participation in the YES programme, young people are placed on 12-month work experience contracts and are provided with mentorship and training. After their year with TFG, these YES participants are then typically employed by TFG or move onto other employment opportunities in the sector.

The positive impact of TFG’s participation in the YES program extends beyond the workplace, creating a ripple effect within the broader community. By empowering young people with the skills and opportunities they need to thrive, TFG contributes to building a more resilient and prosperous society. In the picture (from left to right): COO of YES, Leanne Emery-Hunter, CEO of YES, Ravi Naidoo, TFG Skills Development

In the picture (from left to right): COO of YES, Leanne Emery-Hunter, CEO of YES, Ravi Naidoo, TFG Skills Development Specialist Nancy Pakkiri, YES Co-Chair, Colin Coleman, and Group CEO of the JSE, Dr Leila Fourie.

TFG partners with leading industry experts towards sustainable textile solutions

September 9, 2024

In a first for South Africa, TFG, Sappi Verve, Birla Cellulose and other partners have embarked on an innovative journey to pilot a recycled viscose blend fabric made from FSC certified forests wood pulp and cotton waste. This innovation in new raw material fibre input, using pre-consumer fabric waste, is advancing our understanding of circularity and sustainable textile solutions.

This project marks the beginning of TFG’s journey towards non-linear, consumption-based circular fashion and is part of our commitment to more sustainable practices.

True to our commitment to finding circular solutions to textile waste, TFG showcased this innovative ability with a display of the recycled viscose blend fabric: textile-to-textile journey, at the AllFashion Sourcing exhibition, held in Cape Town recently.

We are committed to sustainable sourcing – this includes a commitment towards a zero-waste business and value chain, reduced emissions and increased customer awareness of environmental issues. We recognise that by increasing our resource efficiency, we can make a positive contribution to the environment.

Totalsports – Safe Hub

May 14, 2024

Totalsports is a proud supporter of Safe-Hub, which provides a physically and emotionally safe spaces where young people can access quality after-school programmes, strong role models, and a range of services, opportunities and support.

At the heart of each of the Safe-Hub lies The EduFootball programme focused on 5-10 year olds, 11-16 and 17+, which was created as a safe space to foster important life-skills amongst communities of young people.

Young people from Philadelphia, Khayelitsha, Gugulethu Manenberg, Diepsloot and Berlin are learning more than just technique, tactics and dribbling at these Safe-Hubs. Communication, motivation and dealing with setbacks is also instilled – both on and off the pitch.

Find out more about the Safe-Hub, visit www.safe-hub.org

Markham – Making A Mark

May 13, 2024

Markham recently launched an amazing collaboration with Imprint – focused on celebrating our local heritage.

Afro-Futuristic, pan-African fashion brand Imprint, founded by Mzukisi Mbane in 2013 and officially launched at Design Indaba in 2015, has grown from strength to strength in its almost decade-long existence. Celebrating glamour and conveying the stories of African culture through iconic prints, fabrics and specific moments in time, Imprint is undoubtedly making its mark.

Markham x Imprint

Authentic storytelling through design has always been Mzukisi’s first priority, and by collaborating with Markham, he feels that he can now reach a wider audience. “People in Khayelitsha, where I’m from, should be able to walk into a retail store and be able to buy and celebrate what the brand stands for,” he says.

Markham’s head of marketing, Nicol Rademeyer, states that Imprint’s bold range and design elements align perfectly with the trends and orientations of this season’s themes, adding the flair of the global south. “There is a movement towards heritage and locality, and Imprint’s work tells the story of design in our country. It is important for retailers to work with South African designers and upcoming talent to ensure that we grow the fashion industry,” he says.

The process of the collaboration has been thrilling for Mzukisi; who says that he really enjoyed working in a larger retail space and learning about areas that Imprint hasn’t explored yet. “It’s just been beautiful working with the Markham team and seeing everything come to life. Seeing the samples during the shoots. It’s been a magical journey, and I am super excited to see where it goes,” he says.

Markham’s partnership with What About the Boys?

September 27, 2023

Gender-based violence is a scourge effecting communities across South Africa and so Markham has partnered with What About The Boys? to eaffect much-needed change.

What About The Boys? aims to tackle gender-based violence by working with thousands of high school boys across the country. The programme is designed to guide boys to break free from the rigid and often damaging stereotypes of traditional masculinity that contribute to GBV.

This year Markham and What About The Boys? aim to raise R1.35 million to combat gender-based violence. By purchasing a branded tee or sweater, customers can show their support and solidarity while advocating for change. Markham donates R50 per sale of the tee and R100 per sale of the sweater towards driving this great initiative.

Let’s make a difference and create a better world… together.

For more information about What About The Boys? visit https://www.primestarsdigital.co.za/what-about-the-boys/

The FIX Upcycling Designer Showcase

September 18, 2023

The FIX is committed to showcasing local manufacturing, local employment, uplifting communities and supporting local skills development. The FIX seeks to provide opportunities to empower youth whilst being a proudly South African brand. One of these projects is The FIX Upcycling Designer Showcase, which celebrates the talent of eight local designers using repurposed material to create cutting-edge fashion pieces. The designers are selected from nationally accredited tertiary institutions and are tasked with re-using and repurposing The FIX’s store window banners, made out of polynet fabrics, to create their own unique collections. This culminates in a fashion show hosted by The Fix which showcases their creations. The designers are further supported by the Small Enterprise Development Agency (Seda) and TFG’s learnership and development programmes. The FIX has been on this journey for a couple of seasons, exploring the world of sustainable fashion. The FIX’s sub-brand, called Changes, speaks to using recycled fabrics and producing products locally. It has also evolved into collaborations with local graphic artists to interpret sustainability for the Changes range. The FIX’s Upcycling Designer Showcase is another example of how TFG is committed to local manufacturing, job creation, and supporting skills development.

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