Deputy Minister to Visit KZN Fashion Manufacturer Celrose

Before visiting Celrose, Abrahams will deliver a keynote address at the KwaZulu-Natal Clothing and Textile Cluster’s (KZNCTC) 20th Anniversary and Annual General Meeting.

Trade, Industry and Competition Deputy Minister Alexandra Abrahams is set to visit leading apparel and fashion manufacturer Celrose in oThongathi, north of Durban, as part of government's ongoing efforts to strengthen South Africa's clothing and textile industry. The oversight visit will take place on Wednesday and forms part of a broader focus on supporting local manufacturing, boosting investment and creating sustainable employment opportunities across the sector.

Clothing and Textile Industry Takes Centre Stage

Before visiting Celrose, Abrahams will deliver a keynote address at the KwaZulu-Natal Clothing and Textile Cluster's (KZNCTC) 20th Anniversary and Annual General Meeting. The event will be held at the Toyota Wessels Institute of Manufacturing Studies (TWIMS) in Kloof and will bring together industry leaders, manufacturers and stakeholders involved in the province's textile and clothing value chain.

The gathering marks two decades of collaboration aimed at improving competitiveness, strengthening production capabilities and supporting growth within one of South Africa's key manufacturing sectors.

Focus on Manufacturing Growth and Jobs

According to the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition, the Deputy Minister's engagements are aligned with government's strategy to expand industrial development and stimulate economic growth through a stronger manufacturing base.

The clothing and textile sector remains an important source of employment, particularly in KwaZulu-Natal, which has historically been one of the country's major apparel production hubs. Government sees the sector as a critical contributor to job creation, investment attraction and the development of local supply chains that support broader economic activity.

Partnership Between Government and Industry

The visit also highlights the importance of collaboration between government and private industry in addressing challenges and unlocking new opportunities for growth. Officials believe stronger partnerships can help local manufacturers improve competitiveness, expand production capacity and respond more effectively to changing market demands.

By engaging directly with businesses such as Celrose, government aims to gain a clearer understanding of industry needs while supporting initiatives that strengthen local value chains and create more employment opportunities. The department said these engagements reflect a shared commitment to building a more resilient and competitive manufacturing sector capable of contributing meaningfully to South Africa's economic development goals.