Western Cape backs clothing and textile sector during Ciovita visit - IOL
Dr. Ivan Meyer, MEC of Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism reaffirmed the provincial government’s commitment to the local Clothing, Textile, Footwear and Leather (CTFL) sector.
Western Cape Minister of Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism Dr Ivan Meyer visited high-end cycling apparel maker Ciovita in Woodstock on Thursday to pledge continued support for the local clothing, textile, footwear and leather (CTFL) sector.
Ciovita, an active member of the Cape Clothing and Textile Cluster (CCTC), employs 265 people and highlights how innovation, export-led growth, and local manufacturing can drive job creation.
The CTFL sector currently accounts for 4.4% of the Western Cape’s manufacturing gross value added (GVA) and provides 10% of all manufacturing jobs in the province.
During the visit, Meyer met with leadership from both Ciovita and the CCTC to discuss expanding local production, boosting exports, and strengthening industry-government partnerships.
"The Western Cape Government values the CCTC’s role in strengthening manufacturing competitiveness by connecting over 100 value-chain stakeholders," said Meyer.
"Their mission directly aligns with our Growth for Jobs Strategy, which focuses on private-sector-led growth, investment, and sustainable employment,” he added.
Courtney Grant, Chief Facilitator of the CCTC, noted that Ciovita exemplifies the cluster's goal to build a globally competitive, inclusive value chain.
"Companies like Ciovita show what can be achieved when local manufacturers compete on quality, agility, and excellence," Grant said.
Established in 2005, the CCTC collaborates with retailers, manufacturers, SMEs, and institutions to promote localisation and investment.
The Western Cape is now South Africa's primary hub for design-led garment manufacturing, featuring 158 clothing manufacturers, nearly 18,000 formal CTFL employees, and major national retail headquarters.
Reflecting on the brand's journey, Ciovita Commercial Director Freddie Enslin shared the company's global ambitions: "When Ciovita was founded, our goal was to take Woodstock to the world by making a cycling kit that competes with Europe’s top brands.
"Today, our products stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the world's best, and we remain proud to manufacture right here in the Western Cape."
Meyer stressed that backing top-tier local manufacturers and industry clusters continues to be essential for fostering inclusive economic development throughout the province.
