eThekwini Footwear And Leather Sector Steps Boldy Into Global Markets

The South African Footwear and Leather Export Council (SAFLEC), together with the eThekwini Footwear and Leather Cluster (EFLC), hosted their joint Annual General Meeting (AGM) and networking event on Thursday evening, 13 August 2026, at the Coastlands Umhlanga Hotel.

The AGM marked a significant milestone for the sector, with proudly South African brands including Jim Green, Bashers, Shlobo and Mannock having entered international markets in the United States, Europe and Asia. The evening placed the spotlight on the sector’s digital modernisation, inclusive economic transformation and expanding international footprint.

Addressing an audience of manufacturers and industry stakeholders, the Chairperson of the eThekwini Economic Development and Planning Committee, Cllr Thembo Ntuli, delivered a keynote address reaffirming the City’s strategic commitment to the sector. As home to South Africa’s largest footwear manufacturing footprint, eThekwini relies on this labour-intensive industry to support job creation and improve household incomes across local communities.

The cluster’s forward-looking initiatives are driving technological innovation within the industry. These include the development of the first locally 3D-printed footwear last, the mould around which a shoe is shaped, and the introduction of “AI Tuesdays” to integrate artificial intelligence into manufacturing workflows. A newly launched partnership with the Durban University of Technology (DUT) will further provide specialised industry training to final-year design students, supporting the next generation of local entrepreneurs.

Beyond industrial output, the cluster has advanced social empowerment by equipping women who are survivors of gender-based violence with specialised leather-crafting skills, while integrating rural enterprises into the mainstream manufacturing value chain.

The City reaffirmed its commitment to collaborating with all stakeholders, including national and provincial government, industry bodies, organised labour, academic institutions and emerging enterprises, in the interest of growing the economy and strengthening the footwear and leather sector as a driver of sustainable employment.

As the sector positions itself for future growth, eThekwini Municipality has encouraged emerging entrepreneurs and established manufacturers alike to increase their active participation in this collaborative ecosystem.