KwaZulu Natal’s efforts to boost its once flourishing textiles industry has been given a shot in the arm with the official opening today (Monday) of the UMsinga clothing factory in Msinga.
The female-owned firm was established by Lelly Mntungwa and funding was obtained from the KZN Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs’ Women Economic Empowerment Programme
MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Sihle Zikalala, officially launched the plant and handed over “dozens of sewing machines” during the launch.
The new factory is housed in what was once a shoe factory that used to employ more than 3 000 people within the Umzinyathi district – just one of many that closed down over a decade ago with the influx of cheap global imports of textiles and leather goods.
The closing down of the factory was a big tragedy to the community - especially the UMsinga community - where the factory was located. Many families were affected as this was the only source of income in the area.
A spokesperson for the KZN Clothing and Textile Cluster said that its members had seen “significant” employment and sales growth since 2012 – after a major sector decline during the 2000s.z
“With the help of government and private sector funding, the KZN Clothing and Textile Cluster is collaborating to develop raw material dyeing and finishing capacity as well as the capability of preproduction professionals,” he said.
