Government’s strategic development of the industry culminated in the development of the Customised Sector Programme (CSP), which was approved in 2008. Footwear and Leather Goods Sector Development Strategy 2008, one of the main programmes is the establishment of Regional Clusters and a National Cluster. This development has emanated from the programme identified in the CSP as a Sector Resource Centre.
SAFLIA is currently working with the dti on the establishment of these Clusters. The National Cluster will be managed by Vaal University of Technology (VUT) and the initial projects will relate to Technological Innovation (Rapid response for product design and both Last and Mould Engineering), Benchmarking and overall Skills Development.
The Foschini/Eddels Footwear Cluster
The Watson Footwear Cluster
SAFLIA is formally registered with the Department of Labour as a national employer organisation in terms of the Labour Relations Act. The Constitution makes provision for three separate sections, viz. Footwear Manufacturing Section, Supplier Section and the Tanning Section.