The fibre processing and manufacturing sector may not always be visible, but it underpins industries ranging from clothing and textiles to publishing, furniture, and packaging. It encompasses well-known brands such as Mr Price, Woolworths (textiles), Nampak (packaging), Sappi (paper and pulp), and Mondi (packaging and forestry products), while also supporting thousands of SMEs in design, crafts, printing, and furniture production.

The Fibre Processing and Manufacturing Sector Education and Training Authority (FP&M SETA) was established to develop skills across this broad and diverse value chain. Funded by the Skills Development Levy, it focuses on artisan training, technical skills, design capacity, and managerial competencies. Its mandate is rooted in the National Skills Development Plan (NSDP) 2030, which emphasises the role of manufacturing in job creation and industrial development.

The sector employs approximately 200,000 people directly, with significant contributions from women and rural communities, especially in textiles, clothing, and furniture production. However, globalisation, import competition, and technological change have caused widespread retrenchments. The South African clothing and textile industry, in particular, has shed tens of thousands of jobs over the past two decades, as cheap imports outcompeted local producers.

Despite these challenges, the sector has areas of resilience and growth. Niche fashion designers, homegrown brands, and SMEs in eco-friendly packaging and sustainable forestry are gaining ground. Companies like Cape Union Mart, Kingsley Heath, and Fabiani are examples of South African firms holding their own in the competitive retail market. Furthermore, global demand for sustainable products is creating new opportunities in renewable fibres, recycled packaging, and green manufacturing.

Labour market mismatches are a serious concern, there is a shortage of skilled artisans in sewing, pattern-making, furniture carpentry, and machine operation. On the other, many workers retrenched from declining industries struggle to re-enter employment without re-skilling. Youth unemployment is also high, as many are unaware of the potential careers in design, manufacturing, and crafts. Women are heavily represented but often in lower-paying roles, with limited progression into management.

FP&M SETA has a mandate to not only preserve traditional skills but also to modernise training in line with global trends. This includes digital design, automated manufacturing, and sustainable material processing. The SETA also works with industry partners to create learnerships, apprenticeships, and entrepreneurship programmes that equip youth and SMEs to participate in local and global value chains.

The future of the sector lies in embracing sustainability, technology, and creativity, aligning training with these areas, FP&M SETA can help South Africa’s fibre and manufacturing industries reclaim lost ground while providing new opportunities for youth and communities.

The FP&M sector can serve as both a preserver of traditional skills and a pioneer of green, digital manufacturing, with targeted support for SMEs, artisans, and designers, the sector has the potential to create inclusive, meaningful work that strengthens both the economy and cultural identity.

Questions for the Future

How can FP&M SETA better support re-skilling of workers retrenched from the clothing and textile industries?

What strategies can attract young people to careers in design, fibre processing, and eco-friendly manufacturing?

How can SMEs in packaging, textiles, and furniture production leverage sustainability trends to compete globally?