The economic growth directorate of the City of Cape Town is excited to welcome a new addition to the city’s textile manufacturing landscape.
James Vos, the mayco member for economic growth, recently attended the launch of Ivilitex, a state-of-the-art clothing and textile manufacturing facility situated in Epping. Ivilitex is part of the Ivili Group, led by a South African woman entrepreneur. This clothing manufacturer will focus on producing high-quality jeanswear and denim for the local retail market.
The City aims to boost locally produced apparel from the current 44% to 65% by 2030, and Ivilitex plays a crucial role in this endeavor. The textile and clothing sector contributes significantly to the local manufacturing workforce, providing between 60,000 and 80,000 jobs, including 23,800 jobs in Cape Town alone.
The introduction of cutting-edge machinery at Ivilitex promises a remarkable efficiency in jeans production, with the ability to craft a pair in less than 13 minutes.
Research conducted by the Cape Clothing and Textile Cluster suggests that Cape Town could potentially create up to 20,000 jobs within the clothing and textile industry. To realize this, a focus on strengthening local production and supporting innovative companies like the Ivili Group is paramount.
The City has allocated R41 million in its ‘Building Hope’ Budget for Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) projects, dedicated to attracting employment and investors to Cape Town in the upcoming financial year.
With ongoing projects and initiatives, Cape Town aims to build a more robust economy, making it a hub for business in Africa.
Furthermore, the economic growth directorate recently announced the nearing completion of a clothing and textile distribution center for Truworths International Limited, set to become the largest of its kind in the Western Cape, scheduled for completion in November 2023.
