THE ZULULAND OBSERVER, APRIL 20, 2012
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Development opportunity for sewing co-ops Lesley Naudè THE Zululand Centre for Sustainable Development (ZCSD) and Milane Sihlangeni Zululand Clothing Manufacturers are joining hands to formalise the numerous sewing projects in the Empangeni and Richards Bay areas that are either battling along or have completely collapsed. Sustainable job opportunities and economic development in Zululand are being actively created through the NGO ZCSD and their partnership with the National Department of Co-Operative Governance (CoGTA) and LIMA in the National Community Works Programme (CWP) ‘The ZCSD currently manages 5 000 people for the CWP programme and an additional 19 000 people provincially will be added to the programme this year,’ says ZCSD’s MD, Gavin Eichler. ‘All these people will require protective clothing and instead of sourcing them from a company outside KZN, which will source Chinese imports and fabrics, we would like to stimulate the local economy and create much needed jobs.’ Milane Sihlangeni will set up premises for the co-ops in Empangeni and will manage them to ensure the highest quality standards are kept and to ensure a sound financial system.
expertise and manpower able to produce the products quickly enough. ‘It is also vital that they make products for which there is a market.’ ZCSD is looking for existing sewing cooperatives that have been operating for at least six months, have had training and have their own sewing machines to contact Anel. All co-ops are welcome to apply, including the disabled, but the members must be able to organise their own transport to Empangeni on a daily basis. Initially they will require five co-ops (ten members each) and will later grow to 10 coops. Factory facilities Eichler says they are calling on our local corporate and businesses to assist.
‘We urgently require factory facilities in Empangeni to get all co-ops in one production area (250 to 500 m2). ‘Initially we are requiring cheap facilities and will be able to pay a rental once fully operational (after three months). ‘Corporates that have funded sewing projects previously that would like to support our project can also contact us. ‘Other items that are desperately needed are industrial steam irons and fabric cutters with a few cutting tables. ‘This is a great opportunity to get our coops going again with a strong management support from established local NGOs.’ ZCSD will be sourcing additional funding to improve co-operatives’ financial and quality management and project management skills.
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Calling all sewing co-ops who need a helping hand Call Anel on 082 879 7751 to attend an interview and selection workshop on Monday 23 April.
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Lack of capacity Most sewing co-ops,’ says Milane Sihlangeni’s Anel Breytenbach, ‘are too small to take on bulk orders because they lack the
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