Sustainability
Fashion That Shares The Benefit of Enterprise
The clothing, sports, homeware and other lifestyle manufacturing industries are significant employers, albeit part of complex global value chains. With fashion seasons becoming shorter, long import lead times and high shipping costs negatively affect value, brand relevance and customer satisfaction. Ethical concerns in global supply chains also carry a significant reputational risk for fashion brands.
South Africa’s local clothing manufacturing capability has deteriorated over the past few decades with the lure of cheap imports from the East, rising local labour costs, import duties on yarns, cotton threads and other raw materials, ageing infrastructure, and a skills shortage. Job losses have also been severe. Furthermore, South African retailers had to start competing with an expanding offering from global brands entering the market.
Our Commitment
We believe in partnerships as the most impactful way to optimise supply chains, support small businesses and drive localisation. We are also committed to developing ethical and transparent supply chains that source commodities responsibly.
In South Africa, we are committed to growing a strong local manufacturing sector that can effectively respond to shifts in consumer demands, ensure convenience, and support immediate fulfilment. Over the last five years, TFG has been working with the South African government and the Department of Trade Industry and Competition (the dtic) to create a diversified local supply chain, thereby reducing reliance on China and other international suppliers and positively influencing local job creation and upskilling. This includes developing enterprises and diversifying our supplier profile in support of B-BBEE.
