By Emily Setona
QWAQWA – The promise made in March by the MEC of DESTEA and Finance, Ketso Makume, to refurbish the factory at the FDC Agrimark in Phuthaditjhaba has started to bear fruit.
Addressing women in the textile industry, MEC Makume encouraged them to collaborate and form a textile cluster that would enable them to work in unity and strengthen their businesses.
“I am happy to see that you listened and indeed formed a committee to work together. Committees are formed every day, but what matters most is commitment and teamwork. As leaders, you represent others, and you must not fight over petty issues such as personal agendas and gossip. A true leader unites and does not divide,” Makume reminded the committee members.
The chairperson of the QwaQwa textile cluster committee, Albertina Katime, expressed gratitude on behalf of the cluster. “We appreciate what the MEC has done for us and thank God for this opportunity. We hope that all stakeholders, alongside the MEC, will continue to support us so that we can grow further,” Katime said.
The executive mayor of Maluti-a-Phofung, Malekula Melato, graced the event with her presence before leaving for another commitment. Several stakeholders also outlined ways they could support the cluster. Among them was regional manager of IDC, Mmeme Mhlahlo, who urged the women to apply for IDC loans, highlighting that the facility offers zero-interest loans and other support mechanisms to boost the textile industry.
Morena e Moholo, Montoedi Mota, also raised concern about the decline of the industrial area in QwaQwa, which once provided jobs for many community members. “More can be achieved if the workers of Maluti-a-Phofung Municipality commit to their responsibilities,” he said.
His words echoed the central theme of the event — that progress depends on collective effort and commitment.Representing the Bakoena Royal Council, Morena Tseko Mopeli emphasized the importance of traditional leadership in supporting local economic development and applauded the textile cluster for their determination.
The event, hosted at the Phuthaditjhaba Environmental Centre, on 19 September, concluded with a walkabout at the FDC Agrimark, where stakeholders and community members were reminded that rebuilding the textile industry requires unity, vision, and commitment.
Indeed, as the MEC highlighted, many doubt the power of group work, especially when it’s a group of women but through collaboration and dedication, the QwaQwa Textile Cluster is determined to prove that together, they can do more.
