Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, South African Deputy President has cautioned that if local manufacturers fail to meet demands, the Government will have no option but to ask the Chinese to increase quota of clothes and textile exported to South Africa.
Speaking to businessmen, she warned that textile had been identified as one of the sectors that can revive economic growth and employment opportunities in the country.
Phumzile informed that retailers were apprehensive regarding the abilities of domestic producers to meet their demands, particularly ahead of festive season.
Recently, Government had decided to curb textiles imports from China which received a mixed response with retailers getting annoyed contending that move may keep shelves empty, while trade unions welcomed it saying it will save jobs in the sector.
She said that Government was in a quandary as it wants local manufacturers to enhance their production capacity of textiles and garments made locally. To assuage retailers concerns, the Government decided to delay quota implementation from September, 28, 2006 to January, 01, 2007.
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