Local isn’t just lekker. It’s a powerful lever for economic growth, job creation, and transformation. And in South Africa’s clothing and textile sector, that shift is gaining serious momentum.
From Woolworths and Pepkor Speciality to the Mr Price Group and TFG, some of the country’s most iconic retailers are putting their “local first” beliefs into action. And their commitment to localisation runs deep. So much so that these leading companies are actively searching for new suppliers from within KwaZulu-Natal’s vibrant SME community. Partnering with the eThekwini Municipality, this mission is being funded and driven through an exciting SME Accelerator led by the KZN Clothing & Textile Cluster (KZNCTC).
According to Robyn van Laren, Head of the KZNCTC SME Accelerator, this public-private partnership is designed to strengthen the link between small suppliers and large customers in the clothing, textile, footwear, and leather (CTFL) sector. “This year’s programme kicked off with a Capacity Building session on 6 May 2025 for qualifying applicants. Ten standout SMEs were selected for the final round, the Dragons’ Den, to pitch their companies to representatives from each of the participating retailers.”
For many of these small businesses, this is more than just making a business case – it’s a life-changing chance to break into major retail value chains and grow in ways they once only imagined. “For a start-up SME from Tongaat, the opportunity to supply multiple retail groups is a dream come true,” says van Laren. “The Accelerator makes it possible because we don’t just connect SMEs with major industry players; we prepare them to succeed by understanding what customers want and helping them meet those expectations.”
On 29 May 2025, at an elegant event held at The Pearls in Umhlanga, the ten finalists from across KwaZulu-Natal stepped into the spotlight, pitching their businesses to the powerhouse panel of industry leaders. The event delivered all the high-energy and high-stakes drama you’d expect, as each entrepreneur made their case to the Dragons: Sunil Sunkur (Woolworths), Tom Thornhill (Mr Price Sport), Teresa Bosman (TFG Manufacturing), Noël Paulson (TFG Retail), Lucy Mullins (Mr Price Apparel), and Brad Conlong (Pepkor Speciality). These respected retail leaders offered sharp insights, practical guidance, and, for a select few, exciting opportunities for future collaboration.
Ultimately, though, three winners emerged for their stand-out business potential, innovation, and readiness to scale:
- Best Overall Business Case: Lenny Govender of SNLS Clothing
- Industry Game Changer: Damien Reddy of Planet Events
- Most Potential: Rajan Pillay of 7 Trees Clothing
Each business received a cash prize to support it development: 7 Trees Clothing and Planet Events each received R15,000, while Lenny Govender of SNLS Clothing received R20,000 for presenting the Best Overall Business Case. But the real excitement came from securing direct access to procurement channels and mentorship from South Africa’s retail giants. The winners couldn’t hide their enthusiasm, raring to take their businesses to the next level.
Ms. Nelisiwe Magubane, Programme Manager for the eThekwini Municipality’s Economic Development Programmes and Planning Unit, said the SME Accelerator is a great example of how public-private partnerships can drive real impact. “When government and industry work together, we create real opportunities for small businesses to thrive.”
Van Laren echoed this, adding that localisation isn’t just about buying local. “It’s about investing in businesses that can build the future of South African manufacturing. Our goal is to unlock growth for promising SMEs and open the door to long-term, meaningful partnerships with major customers.”
With localisation in the CTFL sector having increased by 58% since 2019, the momentum is clear. The KZNCTC SME Accelerator is not only part of this shift – it’s helping to drive it. By connecting high-potential SMEs with forward-thinking retailers, the programme is doing more than creating opportunities. It’s shaping more resilient, inclusive, and locally driven supply chains.