FASHION MANUFACTURING
SA must pounce like a black panther to exploit clothing sector’s promise
Sentiment about Africa is on the upswing, but our apparel industry needs state support and policy commitment, write Xhanti Payi and Precious Moloi-Motsepe
Black Panther, the sensational Hollywood film that tells the story of the fictional African civilisation of Wakanda, has now grossed more than $1bn in global sales. It tells the story of how Wakandans use vibranium, a metal they mine, to develop an advanced technology and build a civilisation to be reckoned with. The film has come on the heels of a new wave of optimism about Africa, its heritage, art and, indeed, our ability to create. The moment should not pass without Africans giving it meaning in development and prosperity prospects. Since Afropessimism has kept the continent’s growth and development in check, we should be looking to ride the new wave of optimism. This is especially true for our manufacturing sector, and we should use the opportunity to show our ability to imagine and create higher levels of value addition. An important area of focus should include fashion, high-end clothing and luxury manufacturing. To illustrate the opportunity, South African-owned internationa...
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