Inner City Informal Garement Operators Skills Development Project

The 1980s were characterised by major retrenchments in the garment industry, particularly of garment operators. As a result there was an exodus of established designers and other professionals leaving the Inner City buildings empty. Micro/small enterprise (MSE) clothing manufacturers from the informal sector moved into these buildings and developed their business.  A needs assessment survey of garment operators in the Inner City was undertaken. The Bees Trust then drew up a proposal and obtained funding from the Ford Foundation [FF] and the Department of Labour (DoL). The project was established in 2000 and had three objectives. Firstly, to establish Business Development Services (skills upgrade by DoL, garment operators forming producer networks, business mentoring programmes, information and referral centre, market linkages); secondly, a social service component which allows informal garment operators access to medical aid through the bargaining council; thirdly, social capital development involving linking immigrant garment operators with South African fashion products, as well as informal associational activities where project services will be offered. Targeted beneficiaries were mostly black females earning low wages. Besides the partnerships formed with the FF and DoL, Wits Technikon provided the training materials and all facilitators. CIDA University Campus provided Business student mentors for the garment operators who completed the DoL training course. SEW AFRICA provided the venue, while the Johannesburg Development Agency upgraded the area, making it a cleaner and safer working environment for the operators.
Innovation 

Innovative partnerships were formed with CIDA University Campus, WITS Technikon, DoL, Bees Trust that allowed each of these partners to bring different creative tools to the project, which resulted in a unique project being established.
Effectiveness

340 garment operators were trained, and ten networks are operational and increased their income from R500 per month to R1000 per month. Medical Aid  has become accessible.
Poverty Impact

The working environment has improved greatly, with social protection and networking benefits. The Inner City fashion garment industry has been revitalised.
Sustainability

Networks with different stakeholders ensure continuity.
Replication

Possible, due to success of current project.
Partnerships
•    Department of Labour (Funding 30%)
•    Ford Foundation (Funding 70%)
•    WITS Technikon (Training)
•    CIDA University Campus (Training)
•    Johannesburg Development Agency (Upgrading of Premises)