Stitched for Success: Celebrating Women Shaping Cape Town’s Economy

By: Staff Reporter

As South Africa marks Women’s Month this August, Cape Town is spotlighting the remarkable contributions of women-led businesses — particularly in the clothing, textile, and technology sectors — that are driving growth, creating jobs, and uplifting communities.

During recent visits to two standout enterprises, the City celebrated women’s entrepreneurship in action.

• ABC Clothing, based in Maitland and founded in 2023, has become a vibrant hub for local seamstresses and tailors. In just two years, it has grown to employ 48 people and is now a supplier to several major South African clothing retailers. The company’s rapid growth was recognised at the Cape Clothing and Textile Cluster (CCTC) Annual General Meeting, where it received the award for Fastest-Growing ‘Cut, Make, and Trim’ Business.
• L&S Creations, established in Athlone in 2005, has grown into a dynamic manufacturing and supply operation employing 120 staff members. Like ABC Clothing, it supplies leading retail chains and plays a critical role in sustaining livelihoods.

Both businesses have benefited from the Origin8 programme, an initiative by the CCTC funded by the City of Cape Town, which helps small and medium enterprises bridge business gaps, meet industry standards, and better serve customers.

Women are also making waves in Cape Town’s technology sector. Through UVU Africa’s Women in Business and Township Tech programmes — also funded by the City — 124 women entrepreneurs received business and technology support in the 2024/2025 financial year. Over the past 25 years, Women in Business has empowered more than 2 000 female entrepreneurs with tools, training, and mentorship to grow sustainable enterprises.

“The clothing and technology sectors are powerful vehicles for social change,” said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth. “By creating jobs, nurturing talent, and inspiring the next generation, these women-led businesses are building an inclusive and resilient economy for Cape Town.”

The City remains committed to targeted support for women-owned enterprises, working with business chambers, incubators, and export partners to ensure women have a strong voice in shaping Cape Town’s economic future.

As Women’s Month unfolds, the call is clear: celebrate success, but also strengthen the support systems that enable women to thrive.