Cape Town in 2035: A Vision for a Thriving Clothing Manufacturing Hub

What will Cape Town’s clothing manufacturing industry look like a decade from now? It’s a bold question, but at the CCTC 2024 Annual General Meeting, the community came together to start shaping the answer. This milestone event marked 19 years of collaboration, innovation, and growth within the cluster—and the energy in the room made one thing clear: the future is bright. 

Clustering, at its heart, is about community. It’s about shared learning, collective action, and the belief that a rising tide lifts all boats. For nearly two decades, the CCTC has championed this spirit, creating opportunities for its members to connect, collaborate, and learn from the industry’s best. This year’s AGM carried that ethos forward, blending celebration with thought-provoking dialogue about the road ahead. 

A Conversation About the Future 

The event’s centre piece was an engaging panel discussion featuring former Minister of Trade and Industry Alec Irwin and CCTC Chairperson Graham Choice. Together, they explored the challenges and opportunities awaiting Cape Town’s clothing sector by 2035. From emerging technologies to shifts in global trade, their insights underscored a shared vision: Cape Town as a global hub for clothing manufacturing, known for its resilience, innovation, and local talent. 

Alderman James Vos also addressed the attendees, delivering a powerful message about the city’s unwavering commitment to supporting the growth of the clothing and textile manufacturing sector. His words reflected the strong alignment between public and private efforts—a partnership that continues to lay the groundwork for sustainable industry expansion. 

Honouring Excellence Within the Industry 

No celebration is complete without recognition, and the AGM did not disappoint. The evening included a moment of reflection on the remarkable contributions made by the cluster’s member firms. A series of prestigious awards celebrated those who exemplified excellence in their respective fields: 

  • ACA Threads – Shared Learning Award 
  • Ciovita – Skills Support Award 
  • Rogz – Skills Champion Award 
  • Graham Choice – Industry Trailblazer Award 
  • Cape Union Mart – Localisation Award 
  • City of Cape Town – Partnership Award 

These accolades aren’t just trophies—they’re a testament to the hard work, innovation, and dedication driving this industry forward.