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The Apparel & Textiles Association of South Africa (ATASA), welcomes the latest announcement by the Department of Trade, Industry & Competition (DTIC) issued by Minister Patel on types of clothing , footwear and bedding can be sold during Lockdown Level 4.

A list of the various winter categories, that will now be allowed to be manufactured and sold under alert level 4, were developed in consultation with industry stakeholders and submitted to the DTIC for consideration. The announcement will now ensure a form of social and economic recovery by many distressed companies in the sector.  ATASA, a party employer association to the National Bargaining Council for the Clothing Manufacturing Industry, will ensure that all health and safety protocols and the reorganisation of the workplace to allow for a responsible return to work of our employees.  This announcement will serve to mitigate against the overall impact the lockdown has thus far placed on our members and also afford employees the opportunity to be gainfully employed yet again in order that they can sustain both themselves and their families. Notwithstanding, this announcement will also speed up all efforts to curb the spread of the COVID-19 infections by making available winter products that will be accessible to South Africans. We applaud the Minister and his department for their courageous leadership at this unprecedented time. 

The Apparel & Textiles Association of South Africa