By Sivuyisiwe Hombile
The National Skills Fund (NSF), in strategic partnership with The Foschini Group (TFG), is driving large-scale industrial skills development and localisation through the TFG Accelerated Manufacturing Growth Project, an initiative designed to strengthen South Africa’s Clothing, Textile, Footwear and Leather (CTFL) sector while creating sustainable employment opportunities for unemployed youth.
Recognising the labour-intensive nature and employment potential of the CTFL industry, the NSF invested in the project to expand access to occupational training, workplace learning opportunities and long-term employment pathways within local manufacturing. The partnership directly supports government’s broader objectives of industrialisation, localisation, economic inclusion, and youth empowerment.
Backed by an investment of R177 176 436, the TFG Accelerated Manufacturing Growth Project was launched in September 2023 as a 43-month intervention aimed at strengthening South Africa’s manufacturing sector while tackling youth unemployment, the project has benefitted over 4 000 learners through structured skills development.
The project is focused on strengthening South Africa’s local garment manufacturing capacity through structured learnerships, Workplace Integrated Learning (WIL), and hands-on production training programmes delivered across manufacturing and operational sites, including Caledon, Durban, Epping, Maitland, Cotton Trades, Nugget, and Voples, among others.
NSF beneficiary Yonela Nikeni who is based at Maitland Prestige.
The initiative responds directly to South Africa’s urgent need for job creation, particularly among unemployed youth. By equipping beneficiaries with industry-relevant technical and workplace skills, the programme aims to increase employability and support the long-term sustainability of local manufacturing value chains. Central to the project’s objectives is a targeted 70 percent learner absorption rate, ensuring that a significant number of participants transition into permanent employment opportunities within the sector.
Beyond skills development, the project contributes meaningfully to community upliftment by opening accessible pathways into productive employment for young people from historically disadvantaged communities. It also supports knowledge transfer and future-proofs local clothing manufacturing capabilities in an increasingly competitive global market.
For many beneficiaries, the programme has been life-changing, Leo Devos, a 20-year-old beneficiary from Bishop Lavis in Cape Town feels indebted to the NSF and TFG for the invaluable opportunity that has transformed his life.
“Before joining the NSF-supported programme at TFG Prestige Maitland, I only had an interest in clothing manufacturing but no formal skills or industry exposure. Through this opportunity, I’ve gained practical experience, confidence and a better understanding of the clothing industry. The training has opened doors for me and shown me that young people from communities like Bishop Lavis can build meaningful careers in manufacturing and contribute to South Africa’s growing local clothing sector.” – Leo De Vos.
Focused on precision and craftsmanship, NSF beneficiary Leo Devos is gaining hands-on experience in textile production and industrial garment manufacturing.
Through initiatives such as the TFG Accelerated Manufacturing Growth Project, the NSF and TFG continue to demonstrate how strategic partnerships can drive localisation, restore manufacturing capacity, and create lasting socio-economic impact across South African communities.
