Course description

A sector that displays high employment potential is the CTLF sector. The CTLF sector is labour intensive and has the potential of assisting the province in decreasing the high unemployment levels. However, the CTLF sector is unable to fulfil its potential due to its inability to compete in domestic and export markets.

The CTLF sector is dominated by imports, particularly from Asia that has led to the closure of many factories and the loss of capabilities. Although trade liberalisation has been sighted as one of the reasons that led to the decline of the industry, the industry’s lack of competitiveness that is driven by lack of skills/capabilities and technology has also played a role in the poor performance of the industry.

To address this issue of competitiveness and reverse import penetration, there is a need to develop a partnership with a key industry player to contribute towards the development of the sector through SMMEs. There is a need to create a partnership that will assess the level of competitiveness and standards required by retailers and implement a programme that addresses challenges such as insufficient skills/capabilities; thus placing industry in a better position to compete in the market through the development of SMMEs.

Programme Benefits

• SMME Support for Business Development
• SMME Support for Supplier Development
• SMME Support for Market Access
• Skills Development Programmes
• Job Placement Opportunities