ABOUT US

The South African Apparel Association previously referred to as the Cape Clothing Manufacturers Association, was registered over 96 years ago. The South African Apparel Association (SAAA) is the largest national employer association representing the interests of clothing manufacturing employer in South Africa.

WHO WE ARE

The SAAA is a registered employer organisation for the SA clothing manufacturing industry. Its geographical scope covers all the provincial boundaries of South Africa. We are a full member of the national apex employer body Business Unity South Africa (BUSA) and have formal cooperation agreements with the Cape Clothing and Textile Cluster as well as the Apparel and Textile Association of SA.

OUR OBJECTIVES PURPOSE AND SERVICES

The Association is actively involved not only in the labour relations and skills development spheres, but also in trade and industrial policy and related matters. We are a founding party to the CTFL SARS Customs Sector Forum where we jointly monitor import activity of clothing and textiles with a key emphasis on illegal and fraudulent activity. Regular liaison with the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC) on sector support measures as well as trade and industrial policy. Our sector was the first in South Africa to develop and implement a Master Plan for the clothing retail and manufacturing value chain. We represent our members on all structures of the National Bargaining Council for the Clothing Manufacturing Industry as well as Business Unity South Africa (BUSA).

- Keep members informed of all relevant industry issues and trend.

- Advise members on all legislative matters, the interpretation and application of legislation and the Bargaining Council’s Agreements.

- Represent the industry at the Bargaining Council and its sub commitees at regional and national level.

- Host workshops on relevant topics for its members.

- Engages the trade union on all relevant trade and labour issues which may affect members from a policy or operational point of view.

- Represent members at the annual wage negotiations.

- Advise members on dispute resolution activities (conciliations and arbitrations).

- Represent the industry at the Sectoral Education and Training Authority (SETA).

- Engages the media on industry related matters.

- Engage with relevant Government Departments for the benefit of its members.