New textile institution to plug skills gap
Isaac Pinielo | Tuesday May 17, 2016 18:00
Last week, the president of the Botswana Textile and Clothing Association, Mohammad Shahid Ghafoor told Mmegi Business that the institution, called Textile and Clothing Institute of Botswana (TCIB), is expected to open its doors next month.
It will offer one year certificate courses in clothing manufacturing in a wide variety of skills.
Industry players told Mmegi Business that the establishment of an institution of this kind bodes well for the country’s shortage of skilled manpower.
Refilwe Jobe, manager of Mahalapye-based Window Décor and Fabrics Designers said the institution is a welcome development, especially if it focuses more on practical education than theory.
“Most of the students who come to us as interns seem to have limited skills when it comes to textiles and apparels manufacturing,” she said. In her company, Jobe said they face challenges when it comes to finding people with cutting skills, noting that the institution could be the answer to their shortage.
She also assured that her company will be watching the progress of the institute to see if it produces quality graduates with the intention of enrolling workers for further studies. Window Décor and Fabrics Designers, which is situated at Botalaote Ward in Mahalapye, specialises in manufacturing women’s and men’s attire, dresses, suits, curtains, beddings and interior décor.
Currently, the company supplies its products to the local market.
Shawn Ntlhaile, who owns Rinimy Enterprises in Jwaneng said the training centre would be more beneficial if it will improve the quality of the textile personnel.
His firm manufactures and supplies school uniforms, protective clothing, sports and corporate wear and promotional gift items.
“We have been complaining a lot about our education system, which does not assist in curbing the shortage of skilled workers,” he said.
According to Ntlhaile, who is also the Jwaneng/Mabutsane legislator, the lack of skilled manpower has adverse effects on the quality of locally-produced goods.
He stated that the local textile and clothing industry faces fierce competition from large chain stores that are mostly South African.
“The government should protect the local industry by coming up with laws that make it compulsory for foreign business people to partner with locals in setting up enterprises locally,” he said.
For other industry players like Pinnie Maruatona, director of Task Manufacturers Botswana, the establishment of the institution should be scrutinised to see if it will really serve its purpose.
“The fact that the institution is being established by private business people raises questions because you might find that the whole idea behind it is to make profit,” she cautioned. Maruatona, however, acknowledged that there is a serious shortage of skilled manpower in the textile industry, noting that something had to be done to overcome the situation.
The local clothing and textile industry will soon get a boost as the Botswana Qualifications Authority (BQA) has approved the establishment of a training institution for the sector. Meanwhile, the founder of the institution is adamant that it will be a renowned training and technical service provider to cater for the growth and needs of the textile and clothing industry.