The past three decades have witnessed a significant upgrade and modernisation of the textile, clothing and footwear industry in South Africa, transforming the sector's efficiency and improving its international competitiveness.

The sector has increasingly responded to demand which reflects the sophistication present in more developed markets, with the local textile and clothing industry expanding to offer the full range of services, from natural and synthetic fibre production to non-woven, spinning, weaving, tufting, knitting, dyeing and finishing.