A recent business breakfast held in Phuthaditjhaba marked a significant milestone in efforts to revitalize the textile industry in the region. This collaborative initiative between DESTEA, the Free State Development Corporation (FDC), and the Maluti-A-Phofung Local Municipality aims to revitalize the textile sector, support township economies and stimulate sustainable job creation
The Phuthaditjhaba Industrial Park serves as a platform to attract investment, foster innovation, and create jobs. The introduction of the Textile Manufacturing Cluster Committee marks a turning point for industrial development in the Free State.
Phuthaditjhaba, once a thriving textile hub, has faced significant challenges, including deindustrialization, youth unemployment, and economic stagnation. The cluster seeks to reverse this trajectory by uniting manufacturers, entrepreneurs, and small businesses.
This initiative aligns with the Free State Growth and Development Strategy (FSGDS), which aims to expand the manufacturing sector's contribution to provincial GDP. The textiles subsector is crucial for absorbing unemployed youth, especially women and young people from previously marginalized communities.
The Textile Cluster Business Breakfast drew key stakeholders, including local textile entrepreneurs, SMMEs, municipal leadership, and FDC representatives. MEC Makume emphasized the importance of unity, resilience, and cooperative development, shifting away from individualistic business practices. This initiative marks a significant step towards revitalizing the textile industry in QwaQwa, creating jobs, and stimulating economic growth.
https://theguard.co.za/together-we-can-do-more-with-commitment-makume/
