Cape Town’s clothing and leather manufacturing sector is gaining momentum as 40 small and emerging manufacturers complete the first intake of Cape Acceler8 — a capability-building programme designed to strengthen SMMEs and drive sustainable industrial growth across the metro.
Delivered by the Cape Clothing and Textile Cluster (CCTC), Cape Acceler8 is supported through a blend of public and private contributions, with the City of Cape Town acting as a catalytic funder. The programme focuses on building both business and technical capability within emerging clothing, textile, footwear and leather (CTFL) manufacturers.
Participating businesses receive expert-led training in cost engineering, financial management, customer negotiation and market analysis, alongside NQF-accredited technical training aimed at improving operational efficiency and production performance.
A legacy industry with future potential
According to Alderman James Vos, the programme plays a critical role in strengthening a sector that remains central to Cape Town’s economy.
“CTFL manufacturing is a legacy industry in Cape Town, and it’s encouraging that almost half of the SMMEs in Acceler8 are based on the Cape Flats,” Vos said. “Eighty percent of people employed in this sector are women, and more than 70% of the programme’s participants are women-led businesses. Collectively, these companies employ over 600 people. Acceler8 helps them streamline operations, build networks across the value chain — including major retailers — and grow so they can employ more Capetonians.”
From skills development to factory floors
As part of the programme, participants engage in Lean Fundamentals training, where they explore customer value, identify inefficiencies in production processes and develop practical problem-solving skills where work happens.
The group also undertakes best-practice factory tours, providing first-hand exposure to high-volume production environments. These visits allow participants to observe material flow, workstation coordination and quality control in action, translating theory into real-world manufacturing insight.
Catalytic investment with lasting impact
Courtney Grant, Chief Facilitator at the Cape Clothing and Textile Cluster, said City support enables meaningful collaboration across the sector.
“The City’s backing allows us to bring public and private partners together around a shared mission — building a globally competitive CTFL value chain in the Western Cape. Programmes like Cape Acceler8 give emerging firms access to the tools, training and exposure they need to grow. That kind of catalytic investment lays the groundwork for deeper economic participation and more resilient value chains.”
An industry that delivers economic value
The clothing and textile sector remains a significant contributor to Cape Town’s economy, producing tens of millions of garments annually and supporting thousands of jobs across the value chain.
As global pressures continue to challenge local manufacturing, the City has reaffirmed its commitment to targeted programmes that support SMMEs. “Empowering small manufacturers with the skills to innovate and expand is essential not only to sustain existing jobs, but to unlock future growth and investment,” Vos said.
