Maxhosa Knitwear M - Nelson Mandela...
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Maxhosa Knitwear Challenges Manufacturing: There are no small-scale toll production knitting manufacturers in South Africa that have a suitable knitting machine. The only company that could assist has recently gone into liquidation. Raw materials: The initial work was done on mohair, but getting a good source of suitable mohair is a challenge even in the Eastern Cape where it is produced. Wool is available, but usually has to be bought in 1 ton quantities, which is not feasible for a small business. Investment: Private investors want Laduma to manufacture in China or Mauri- tius due to high labour costs in South Africa. Government funding agencies only pay after costs have been incurred, which is difficult for a cash-strapped small business. Commercializaon Process Commercial structure Laduma and the NMMU’s wholly-owned company own shares in Shugaz Fash- ion & Textile (Pty) Ltd, which owns the knitwear designs and the trademark. The NMMU has provided Shugaz with initial start up capital and access to man- ual knitting machines. Laduma has also been incubated in the NMMU’s Art & Design Incubator. Through the incubator he has been provided with space and business mentor- ing. Opportunity Laduma Ngxokolo is a visionary designer and excellent spokesperson for both his brand and the NMMU. Current funding opportunities are limited and, although the NMMU has provided some assistance, Shugaz requires investment of R600 000 for a suitable knitting machine in order to move forward and grow. The absence of small start up funding streams for businesses in the creative space is a huge challenge. Added to this, the value chain challenge is a major obstacle for aspiring textile and fashion designers. Laduma and other designers must be assisted as they have the capability, skills and expertise to grow local value-added industries. M aXhosa by Laduma™ is a range of knitwear inspired by traditional Xhosa designs. Laduma Ngxokolo, the designer, completed his BTech at the NMMU in 2010. The NMMU has assisted Laduma to manufacture his knitwear and start his business. He won a number of awards at local and international design exhibitions, and his knitwear is currently sold in Cape Town and London, as well as being used in various local advertisements. Laduma’s vision is to create sustainable jobs and attract investment to the Eastern Cape and South Africa. This project is supported by : © NMMU 2013
Transcript of Maxhosa Knitwear M - Nelson Mandela...
Maxhosa Knitwear
Challenges
Manufacturing: There are no small-scale toll production knitting manufacturers
in South Africa that have a suitable knitting machine. The only company that
could assist has recently gone into liquidation.
Raw materials: The initial work was done on mohair, but getting a good source
of suitable mohair is a challenge even in the Eastern Cape where it is produced.
Wool is available, but usually has to be bought in 1 ton quantities, which is not
feasible for a small business.
Investment: Private investors want Laduma to manufacture in China or Mauri-
tius due to high labour costs in South Africa. Government funding agencies only
pay after costs have been incurred, which is difficult for a cash-strapped small
business.
Commercialization Process Commercial structure Laduma and the NMMU’s wholly-owned company own shares in Shugaz Fash-
ion & Textile (Pty) Ltd, which owns the knitwear designs and the trademark.
The NMMU has provided Shugaz with initial start up capital and access to man-
ual knitting machines.
Laduma has also been incubated in the NMMU’s Art & Design Incubator.
Through the incubator he has been provided with space and business mentor-
ing.
Opportunity Laduma Ngxokolo is a visionary designer and excellent spokesperson for
both his brand and the NMMU. Current funding opportunities are limited
and, although the NMMU has provided some assistance, Shugaz requires
investment of R600 000 for a suitable knitting machine in order to move
forward and grow. The absence of small start up funding streams for
businesses in the creative space is a huge challenge. Added to this, the
value chain challenge is a major obstacle for aspiring textile and fashion
designers. Laduma and other designers must be assisted as they have
the capability, skills and expertise to grow local value-added industries.
M aXhosa by Laduma™ is a range of knitwear inspired by traditional Xhosa designs. Laduma Ngxokolo, the designer, completed his BTech at the NMMU in 2010. The NMMU has assisted Laduma to manufacture his knitwear and start his business. He won a number of awards at local and international design exhibitions, and his knitwear
is currently sold in Cape Town and London, as well as being used in various local advertisements. Laduma’s vision is to create sustainable jobs and attract investment to the Eastern Cape and South Africa.
This project is supported by :
© NMMU 2013
