CREATING A SUSTAINABLE TOMORROW IN RURAL AREAS

By: Lithakazi Mhaga

Living in the times of the fourth industrial revolution, while experiencing a worldwide pandemic and economic recession, all sectors of trade have been forced to re-evaluate when, where and how to conduct business.

Pondoland Times is not exempt or opposed to change and spoke to 24-year-old Mthatha local, Sibulele Pandle, via WhatsApp, about IBHAQAZA, his fashion and footwear brand.

Although young, Pandle is well-versed in the global implications and potential of locally manufacturing fashion items.

“I founded IBhaqaza in 2019, on the 5^th of June,” Pandle proudly said.  After coming across statistical information that peaked his curiosity and drive, he saw a need to be a manufacturer and supplier of fashion and footwear items.

“South African Footwear and Leather Industry Association (Saflia) figures show that local market demand for footwear was 264 million pairs in 2018, with local production accounting for less than one-quarter of demand. While local production decreased by nearly 9 million pairs or 13.3% in 2019, imports grew by 3.3 million pairs,” Pandle said, explaining the reason he continues to work and struggle for his brand.

“This outlines the challenge faced by the South African shoe manufacturing industry. The country’s footwear sector employs nearly 10 000 people, with the capacity to support many more jobs,” he said, affirming his hope for an economical rise that can change the lives of those close to him.

Hope alone does not make a business, a fact that Pandle is accutely aware of, “some of the challenges we have faced is the lack of financial muscle to upscale and make IBHAQAZA the finest of its kind. Moreover, covid-19 has proven to be a threat on all SMME’s including us,” he prehensively mentioned.

“Our goal in business is creating a sustainable tomorrow in rural areas, creating a rural and circular economy a sneaker at a time, building our factories in rural areas, empowering through skills development and creating jobs,” Pandle passionately said, stating his vision for IBHAQAZA.