South Africa
Sector
Clothing & Textiles
The Karoo, which is partly situated in the Cacadu District, is also known as the ‘place of thirst’ characterised by its dry climate. There is, however, no stagnation in the growth taking place in the area with opportunities ranging from shoe manufacturing all the way to tourism initiatives and media exposure.
Ikhala Background
The Ikhala Sewing Factory is the brainchild of a Jansenville resident, who executed his idea of manufacturing leather shoes on home-soil. Ikhala is part of the formation of Jansenville, which is situated in the Ikwezi Municipality just north of the Klein Winterhoek mountains. At the time of Ikhala’s establishment, the unemployment rate in Jansenville was at a high of 60%. Therefore Ikhala’s key priority is to create employment for the youth of Jansenville.
Ikhala is a sewing company focusing on the manufacturing of morning slippers, boots and molo shoes for ladies. Ikhala was established in 2007 and started out with the production of sheets and bedding. In 2008 they produced the grasshopper “hush puppy” shoe for Watson Shoe factory. Currently the company comprises of 18 members, five of which make up the management team. Ikhala is a youth development institution, creating employment opportunities for the unemployed people of Jansenville and surrounding geographical locations, with all members bringing natural talent and a Bachelor in Fine Arts to the table.
Current Business Development
Ikhala is a registered service provider for a top South African retailer and received a contract to manufacture 4 500 pairs of morning slippers per month for them, which will tentatively be reactivated early next year.
Ikhala worked with Watson Shoes from March 2007 to August 2009, producing the renowned grasshopper which appeals to the vast majority of the male population of South Africa. The automobile manufacturer Volkswagen South Africa partnered with Ikhala during 2008 for the production of 116 work-overalls.
Products
- Molo shoes for ladies: Soft inner with beading on top of shoe finished with an Aloe design
- Morning slippers: Different designs
- Sewing overalls: Work overalls
- Boots: Currently in production
Futures Plans
Ikhala started out with a relatively broad product line, but for now Ikhala would like to ‘champion’ shoe production. They are presently working on four projects focusing on fashionable, summer footwear. Ikhala is negotiating prospective business expansion opportunities.
A definite growth in consumer buying behaviour has been identified, however, there is always room for improvement. Ikhala is looking towards sponsoring bursaries for tertiary education for residents of Jansenville, providing the youth with an opportunity to give back to their community.
Ikhala Sewing factory is a young dynamic company, with an innovative team and great potential to expand, prosper and reach even greater heights.
Cacadu District Municipality adopted the District SMME strategy in 2009/10 financial year. As part of its rollout plans, Ikhala Sewing Cooperative will receive support in the following areas:
- development of credible financial statement and introduction of appropriate systems for the business
- identification of a mentor that is knowledgeable about manufacturing/production efficiencies and business engineering systems
- assistance with the Karoo manufacturing plant to create quality ISO systems, which will build capacity to service high level clients in the retail sector and beyond.
Contact Details
Duma Magxwalisa
Acting Director - Economic Development
Email: d.magxwalisa@cacadu.co.za
Tel: +27 (0) 41 508 7339
Fax: +27 (0) 86 529 6075
