Cape Town’s clothing industry is closing 2021 on a high, so says the City of Cape Town.

The municipality has announced the winners of the first Business Accelerator project managed by the City’s Special Business Partner, the Cape Clothing and Textile Cluster (CCTC).

It is funded by the Enterprise and Investment Department, the initiative matched small enterprise manufacturers with opportunities at large leading retailers

They also provided them with training to unlock procurement and build new and long-term supply relationships.

After weeks of hard work from all the SMMEs, medical scrubs manufacturer, Sabafuraha was awarded the top prize that includes a R20 000 cash injection and a mentorship programme with industry leaders.

The City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth, James Vos says: “Sabafuraha exemplifies the resilience and innovation of Cape Town’s clothing and textile industry and the determination of entrepreneurs who are the backbone of our economy. As the City, we have seen the value of supporting industry growth in such an impactful way.”

Founded in 2017 by Moshibudi Piet and her sister Lehlogonolo, Sabafuraha creates African-inspired attire for medical practitioners, commonly referred to as scrubs.

The brand also aims to create job opportunities for women from vulnerable communities.

Vos said: “It has been a challenging few years for Cape Town’s industries and the economy at large. Despite this, businesses have displayed determination. I am proud that as the City, we can support these enterprises, communities, and industries because it means that we can ensure that opportunities become more accessible to more Capetonians.”