MAKING CLOTHES Siyasebenza Manufacturing is prepared to attempt most workwear designs, especially if it is what clients need and if it is beneficial to the business
The reduced prices and quality of some clothing manufactured in South Africa is one of the biggest challenges facing the local textiles industry, as it affects companies that strive to produce quality clothing sold at market-related prices, says workwear manufacturer Siyasebenza Manufacturing marketing manager Naveen Nair.
He tells Engineering News that some companies use cheap labour to produce clothing that is sold below the market price.
“The industry is competitive and there are too many players in the market that do not comply with the basic conditions of employment guidelines. We, therefore, have to rely on the Department of Labour to root out noncompliant manufacturers operating sweat shops,” says Nair, adding that Siyasebenza loses a lot of work to manufacturers that are noncompliant and make substandard clothing at prices that are not sustainable.
However, he tells Engineering News that research and development (R&D) is one of the aspects that has enabled Siyasebenza to thrive in the textiles sector. The company’s ongoing R&D is responsive to market needs. He says Siyasebenza is prepared to attempt most workwear designs, especially if it is what clients need and if it is beneficial to the business.
“Our biggest opportunity lies in the fact that Siyasebenza currently has a small piece of the current market share and we strongly believe that our efficient way of manufacturing our workwear is getting the attention of the bigger players,” says Nair.
He is confident that the company is developing and subsequently creating employment for locals residing in the communities in which it operates.
Siyasebenza Manufacturing is situated in Hammarsdale, KwaZulu-Natal, and has been manufacturing protective clothing for 16 years. The company manufactures protective clothing such as two-piece conti suits, special coveralls, laboratory coats and fabric aprons.
“This workwear is made from various protective fabrics such as cotton, polycotton and flame- and acid-retardant material. We manufacture the items from start to finish and supply it to the South African workforce,” says Nair.
He says Siyasebenza’s current staff complement of 131 is sourced from the surrounding Hammarsdale and Inchanga areas, which have a wealth of potential workers who are unemployed. Nair adds that the company offers ongoing in-house training and also has a dedicated line training machinists.
He further mentions that Siyasebenza also trains young women, who are usually employed by the company initially as cleaners, after which they are guided and trained to progress through the ranks.
“We believe that waiting for government bodies to provide training is not the answer and we need to upskill our workforce to provide Siyasebenza with the appropriate skills that we need as a business to survive,” concludes Nair.