GQEBERHA TEXTILE FACTORY FOCUSES ON INCLUSIVE, ACTIVE ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES

By Staff Writer.

• The Deputy Minister of Social Development, Ganief Hendricks, officially opened the Association for Persons with Disabilities-Nelson Mandela Bay textile factory in the Eastern Cape.
• The opening of the facility coincides with Disability Rights Awareness Month, currently underway in South Africa.
• Protective workshops offer psychosocial support, skill-building opportunities, and avenues for economic involvement for persons with disabilities.

The launch of a protective workshop within a textile factory in Gqeberha, Eastern Cape, will ensure inclusive, genuine, and sustainable employment for people with disabilities.

Speaking at the official inauguration of the Association for Persons with Disabilities and Nelson Mandela Bay textile factory on 10 November 2025, Deputy Minister of Social Development, Ganief Hendricks, noted that the launch of the workshop coincides with Disability Rights Awareness Month, “a vital campaign for us to renew our dedication to fostering a society where individuals with disabilities are acknowledged as equal members and active contributors to our economy”.

The theme for Disability Rights Awareness Month is “Creating strategic multisectoral partnerships for a disability-inclusive society”.

“This is a shining example of innovation, collaboration, and inclusivity that showcases the remarkable achievements which is made possible when government, civil organisations, and the private sector unite,” the deputy minister said.

The initiative will facilitate knowledge exchange, offer business mentorship, and provide practical skill transfer to emerging workshops. “Such a step is envisaged at building a network of stronger, more resilient entities dedicated to serving individuals with disabilities,” Hendricks added.

“This comes as a boost towards the country’s economic development and mental wellness for persons with disabilities.”

Providing economic opportunities

The Eastern Cape Department of Social Development oversees 25 protective workshops that offer psychosocial support, skill-building opportunities, and avenues for economic involvement for persons with disabilities.

However, the deputy minister noted, these workshops find themselves at varying developmental stages.

Although some of the workshops achieved self-sufficiency, others had encountered hurdles in the form of insufficient infrastructure and equipment; a lack of skilled staff; unreliable funding and support; or the absence of mentorship and business acumen.

Out of the 25 workshops, the Association for Persons with Disabilities/Nelson Mandela Bay textile factory workshop stands out as one of the most exemplary models in the country.

“It is unique as it strikes a balance between social impact and business viability through a 50/50 approach that combines charitable goals with commercial success.”

Hendricks added that by tapping into the experience and expertise of the Association for Persons with Disabilities/Nelson Mandela Bay textile factory workshop, “we are pushing for emulation and empowerment of other protective workshops to attain similar achievements”.

The establishment of the textile factory transcends mere production as it embodies aspirations, prospects, and respect.

The facility is anticipated to generate 200 new job opportunities, with 60% dedicated to individuals with disabilities, including parents of children with disabilities, and members of underprivileged communities.

“By collaborating with the Foschini Group, the factory is bridging social entrepreneurship with corporate value chains, thus ensuring that inclusion for persons with disabilities leads to genuine and sustainable employment,” said Hendricks.

“This effort demonstrates social progress which is not gained through charity, but empowerment, skill development, and teamwork.”

Strategic priorities

The Medium-Term Development Plan adopted by the seventh administration highlights three key strategic priorities:
•⁠ ⁠To drive inclusive growth and job creation;
•⁠ ⁠To reduce poverty and tackle the high cost of living; and
•⁠ ⁠To build a capable, ethical, and developmental state.

The Association for Persons with Disabilities/Nelson Mandela Bay textile factory can play a significant role in realising these priorities, aiming to empower individuals with disabilities through economic means.

On a long-term basis, the textile factory seeks to:
•⁠ ⁠introduce a provincial mentorship and coaching programme aimed at assisting emerging protective workshops;
•⁠ ⁠highlight the Association for Persons with Disabilities/Nelson Mandela Bay textile factory’s approach to merging business sustainability with social good;
•⁠ ⁠enhance collaboration among government sectors, private businesses, and community organisations; and
•⁠ ⁠gather resources and commitments that will secure the long-term viability of this initiative.

“This achievement would not have been feasible without collaboration,” said the deputy minister as he expressed his appreciation for the teamwork of the national and Eastern Cape Departments of Social Development, the Association for Persons with Disabilities/Nelson Mandela Bay textile factory, and the Foschini Group.
He also complimented the leadership of the Association for Persons with Disabilities/Nelson Mandela Bay textile factory cohort, the Eastern Cape Department of Social Development, and all who participated in this initiative.

“Such collaborations reflect our collective national goal to foster inclusive development, alleviate poverty, and ensure that persons with disabilities engage meaningfully in the economic landscape. Through mentorship, collective learning, and partnership, we can establish a network of protective workshops that are independent, innovative, and sustainable.”

The expectation was to see significant results and progress, such as a strengthened ability of protective workshops to provide ongoing services.

Creating a movement

“The generation of job opportunities for persons with disabilities, their families, improved access to skill development and job prospects, and a model that can be duplicated and expanded throughout all provinces,” the deputy minister added.

What was encouraging, Hendricks said, was that this initiative embodied more than just a project, but represented a movement towards a future where no one is overlooked.

“As we launch this project, I urge the private sector to embrace their supply chains and procurement processes through inclusion of businesses led by or employing individuals with disabilities.”

Hendricks also appealed to provincial departments to weave the mentorship model into their broader economic development strategies. “Our wish is to see more civil societies and advocacy groups continuing their important roles of ensuring that inclusion is genuine and not merely a façade,” the deputy minister said.

“Together, let us commit towards placing disability inclusion at the forefront of our nation’s social and economic priorities.

This launch serves as a reminder that true empowerment resides in providing persons with disabilities a space and opportunity to actively contribute to society – not merely as recipients of aid, but as leaders, innovators, and contributors to South Africa’s inclusive economy, Hendricks noted.

“May this factory serve as an exemplary memory and a testament that we can accomplish more when we come together in pursuit of equality, dignity, and opportunity for everyone.”