Pretoria – The Gauteng Provincial Government says it is committed to reviving local manufacturing.
Gauteng MEC for Economic Development, Nkosiphendule Kolisile, today visited Sesli Textiles in Rooderpoort.
“The visit is part of the Gauteng Department of Economic Development’s efforts to revive local manufacturing as a locus for economic growth and decent jobs,” said the provincial Department of Economic Development.
Sesli Textiles is a blanket manufacturing company, which has been operational since 2000.
Like many companies in the textile, clothing, leather and footwear industries, Sesli Textiles faces a number of challenges. These include fierce competition from imports, the rising cost of electricity and fuel, low domestic and international demand as well as the poor performance of other sectors of the economy.
“The manufacturing sector continues to shed many jobs as a result of these challenges,” said the department.
The provincial government is currently working with business and labour to revitalise Gauteng’s manufacturing sector, with a focus on the automotive, transport, capital equipment, furniture, tourism, construction and business process outsourcing sectors, as well as the clothing, textile, leather and footwear sectors.
“We will continue to work tirelessly to promote the local manufacturing sector, including through the expansion of opportunities for public procurement across all Gauteng government departments,” said the department. – SAnews.gov.za
