HOWWE FUND BUSINESSES IN THE
TEXTILES AND WOOD PRODUCTS SECTOR
Textiles and Wood Products
Promoting Entrepreneurship Through Building Competitive Industries and Enterprises Based on Sound Business Principles.
The IDC’s strategic business unit (SBU) for textiles and wood offers support to various enterprises across both sectors. The textiles and wood sector focus ranges from home decor to leather goods producers to manufacturers of natural or synthetic fabrics. The wood sector focuses on the beneficiation of wood from the sawmilling process to the manufacturing of paper and packaging. The aim is to build a locally and regionally competitive industry through strategic partnerships that promote entrepreneurship and social and industrial development.
The unit works closely with the Clothing Textiles Competitiveness Program, a grant scheme managed on behalf of the DTIC.
Objectives of SBU include.
- Supporting the development of a viable model for a competitive, sustainable local clothing and textiles industry.
- To support the development of vibrant and competitive wood beneficiation and furniture industry.
- Assist existing enterprises to expand.
- Establish new enterprises by providing funding that creates and/or preserving jobs while driving social and economic growth.
WHAT WE FUND
Textiles
Clothing manufacturing
Natural fibre production, including wool and mohair beneficiation
Synthetic fibre production
Leather tanning; and leather product manufacturing
Footwear manufacturing
Spinning of yarns, knitting and weaving of products
Non-woven textile production
Dyeing, printing and finishing of fabrics
Household textile production
Wood
Saw milling activities
Paper and pulp manufacturing (all forms)
Paper based packaging production
Furniture production
NICOLE MOONSAMY
HEAD: TEXTILES AND WOOD PRODUCTS
For enquiries, email: Nicole Moonsamy NicoleM@idc.co.za
WHO SHOULD APPLY FOR FUNDING?
Existing manufacturers who wish to expand or modernise their production capacity; manufacturers in distress due to global economic trading conditions; and entrepreneurs looking to start up small to medium manufacturing facilities.
We do not refinance assets.
Every business proposal is considered on its own merits, but preference is given to:
- Financing fixed assets and the fixed portion of growth in working capital requirements;
- Supporting ventures/projects that have a significant socio-economic impact in terms of job creation, value addition, empowerment, rural development, and/or township development;
- Supplying distress funding for troubled companies that have a clear turnaround plan.
FUNDING CRITERIA
Our minimum investment requirements are:
- Security, of a type related to your business’s specific circumstances; Compliance with international environmental standards; and Relevant bargaining council compliance.
- In addition, shareholders/owners are expected to make a material contribution to the project — generally 35% of total assets for going concerns and 45% – 50% for start-ups, depending on the industry norms and risks involved. We prefer our exposure not to exceed that of the owners of the business.
However, the contribution for start-ups with a material developmental and job creation impact may be lowered, in which case the IDC may be prepared to extend finance greater than the owners’ contribution.
INVESTMENTS IN THE REST OF AFRICA
The project must be of direct benefit to South Africa in any of the following ways:
- Must promote regional economic development with linkage to SA
- Upstream / Downstream businesses within IDC value chains
- Must develop and integrate regional value chains in line with IDC priority sectors
- Must support the implementation efforts of the AFCFTA in order to entrench the development of regional VCs and a move away from a reliance on offshore supply chains
- The minimum size of the total project funding requirement must be:
- R5-million SACU-based investments
- USD 3 million for SADC-based investments
- USD10-million for investments in countries outside SADC
- Rand, US Dollar and Euro-based funding are available.
HOW TO
APPLY FOR FUNDING
Application for funding should be in writing and should include an executive summary and a business plan.
STEP 1
BUSINESS PLAN
Draw up a well-researched business plan, stating a compelling case for funding
STEP 2
REGISTER ONLINE
*Applications can also be submitted at the IDC office
STEP 3
UPLOAD APPLICATION
Upload your application with the relevant documents, certificates and business plan
STEP 4
PROCESS APPLICATION
IDC will confirm that it has received your application. While processing we may ask you to supply extra information or documentation
STEP 5
APPROVAL STATUS
IDC will give you feedback on the outcome of your application, in writing. If your application is successful, due diligence will be conducted on your business.
STEP 6
LOAN CONTRACT
Once the IDC has satisfied itself of your bona fides, you will be asked to sign a loan contract
STEP 7
BEGIN FUNDING
OTHER INDUSTRY SECTORS
WE FUND
AGRO-PROCESSING & AGRICULTURE
Developing a competitive industry in the food, beverage, fibre, forestry and agro-derivative industries; that utilises and develops local and regional resources to supply domestic demand and increase participation in international trade.
AUTOMOTIVE & TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT
Offering funding as well as industry and project development support to businesses involved in developing the automotive, rail, aerospace and ship industries.
CHEMICALS, MEDICAL & INDUSTRIAL MINERAL PRODUCTS
Supporting and promoting entrepreneurship, industrial development and strategic partnerships by building competitive industries and enterprises in South Africa and the rest of Africa.
ENERGY
The Energy Sector is undergoing major transformation from traditional fossil fuel power sources to modern environmentally sustainable technologies and business models.
INFRASTRUCTURE
Funding from the infrastructure SBU will enable our clients to pursue growth opportunities in water and sanitation, telecommunications, logistics, and transport.
MACHINERY, EQUIPMENT & ELECTRONICS
Offering finance, and where relevant, technical assistance to a range of manufacturers, with the aim of seeing a competitive and diversified local machinery and capital equipment industry.
MEDIA & AUDIO-VISUAL
To be a driving force in the development of a sustainable media and audio-visual value chain in South Africa.
MINING & METALS
Since 1940, the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) has helped facilitate South Africa’s industrial capacity by financing viable businesses within key sectors to stimulate the country’s economic growth.
TEXTILES & WOOD PRODUCTS
Offering support to a variety of enterprises across the sector, ranging from creators of home décor to leather goods producers to manufacturers of natural synthetic fabrics.
TOURISM & SERVICES
Primarily investing in the accommodation sub-sector, with a particular focus on business hotels in fast growing areas – high impact, sustainable, tourist attraction that provide niche products offerings.
Ms Tanya Cohen
Independent Non-Executive Director
Qualification: BA, LLB and Master of Laws from University of the Witwatersrand and Admitted Attorney
Nationality: South African
Skills and Expertise: Labour Market Policy & Employment Equity, Public-Private Partnerships & Strategic Advisory, Governance & Board Leadership, Socio-Economic Development & Transformation, Legal Expertise in Labour and Human Rights Law, Stakeholder Engagement & Social Compact Formation, Policy Development & Implementation and International Labour Organisation Collaboration.
Ms Tanya Cohen is a highly experienced public-private impact advisor and independent non-executive director with a strong commitment to solving complex socio-economic challenges that drive sustainable development. She operates at the intersection of business and government, enabling transformative outcomes that promote economic growth, employment, and inclusive policy reform. Her leadership is marked by clarity, enthusiasm, and the ability to mobilise execution across diverse stakeholder groups, including government, business, and labour. Ms Cohen has represented business interests at local, continental, and global levels, including at the International Labour Organisation. Her board experience spans tripartite government boards, commissions, and non-profit organisations, where she contributes to social, transformation, human resource, and governance subcommittees. As a Commissioner of the National Planning Commission, she continues to champion developmental impact and positive social change in South Africa. As an independent non-executive director, she brings deep expertise in stakeholder engagement, legal compliance, and strategic advisory, with a strong focus on transformation and sustainable development.
Dr Tebogo Makube
Independent Non-Executive Director
Qualification: PhD in Energy Studies, Postgraduate qualifications in Law, Economic Policy, and Energy Economics, Admitted Advocate of the High Court
Nationality: South African
Skills and Expertise: Industrial Procurement & Development, Policy Formulation & Economic Development, Energy Economics & Infrastructure, Governance & Leadership.
Dr. Tebogo Makube is a seasoned policy and industrial development expert currently serving as a Board Member of the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) and Chief Director for Industrial Procurement and Development at the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic). He has extensive experience in fiscal policy, infrastructure planning, and energy economics, having held senior roles at the Financial and Fiscal Commission, National Treasury, and the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA). Dr. Makube also serves on the boards of Proudly South African and Trade & Industrial Policy Strategies (TIPS), where he is Chairperson. He holds a PhD in Energy Studies and postgraduate qualifications in Law, Economic Policy, and Energy Economics, and is an admitted Advocate of the High Court of South Africa. His expertise spans industrial procurement, regulatory frameworks, and economic policy development.
Dr Keitumetse Tebogo Mothibeli
Independent Non-Executive Director
Qualification: BSc; BSc (Hons); MSc (Medical Bioscience) UWC, PhD (PhD (Human Physiology – Cancer Research) UP
Nationality: South African
Skills and Expertise: Medical Biosciences, Scientific Research & Field Applications, Business Leadership & Strategy, Investment Management, Entrepreneurship & Innovation, Green Technology & Sustainability, Mentorship & Youth Development and Transformational Leadership.
Dr Keitumetse Tebogo Mothibeli is a dynamic scientist, entrepreneur, and investment strategist with a strong academic foundation in medical bioscience and a PhD focused on maternal health and cellular development. Her career spans roles in scientific research, field applications, and corporate leadership, including positions at Whitehead Scientific and Adcock Ingram. She has trained internationally in advanced imaging and karyotyping technologies and served as R&D Director for innovative companies like Zucchi Innovations and Mofaya. As the founder of Maidi Holdings, she broke ground as the first black female to acquire diving and hull cleaning licenses in key South African ports. Currently, she is the CEO of Crystal Partners, a 100% black female-owned investment firm driving strategic partnerships across Africa in sectors such as agriculture, energy, health, and mining. Dr. Mothibeli is known for her principled leadership, commitment to mentorship, and passion for sustainable development and social impact.
Ms Ayanda Dlodlo
Independent Non-Executive Director
Qualification: Master of Business Administration (MBA), Postgraduate Diploma in Business Management, Higher Certificate in Shipping and Transport Management and additional postgraduate training in Management Development and Executive Development Programmes
Nationality: South African
Skills and Expertise: Public Sector Leadership, Governance & Policy Development, Security & Intelligence Operations, International Diplomacy & Development, Public-Private Partnerships & Infrastructure, Strategic Operations & Institutional Reform and Transport & Logistics Management.
Ms Ayanda Dlodlo is a seasoned South African public servant and executive with extensive experience in governance, security, and international development. She has held several ministerial positions in the South African government, including Minister of Public Service and Administration, Minister of State Security, Minister of Communications, and Minister of Home Affairs. Her leadership extended to the African National Congress (ANC), where she served on the National Executive Committee. In 2022, she transitioned to the global stage as an Executive Director at the World Bank Group, representing Angola, Nigeria, and South Africa. Academically, she holds an MBA, a Postgraduate Diploma in Business Management, and a Higher Certificate in Shipping and Transport Management. Her career reflects deep expertise in public sector reform, policy development, intelligence operations, and international diplomacy.
Mr Reon Barnard
Independent Non-Executive Director
Qualification: B. Com in Finance – Stellenbosch University and Executive MBA
Nationality: South African
Skills and Expertise: Strategic Leadership & Business Development, Mining Operations & Commodities Trading, Investment Strategy & Private Equity, Corporate Governance & Board Leadership, International Business & Cross-Border Negotiation, Ethics & Organisational Integrity, Entrepreneurship & Innovation, Logistics & Industrial Services.
Mr Reon Barnard is a South African business executive and independent non-executive director with a strong background in finance, mining, and strategic leadership. He holds a B. Com in Finance from Stellenbosch University and an Executive MBA from the Tsinghua-INSEAD program, complemented by advanced certifications in ethics, negotiation, and board governance from institutions such as INSEAD, GIBS, and the Institute of Directors South Africa. With over two decades of experience, Mr Barnard has led and advised companies across mining, commodities trading, logistics, and industrial services. His expertise spans corporate governance, private equity, international business strategy, and ethical leadership, making him a valuable contributor to boardrooms and executive teams across sectors.
Ms Gloria Tomatoe Serobe
Chairperson | Independent Non-Executive Director
Qualification: Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) from University of Transkei, Master of Business Administration (MBA) and Honorary Doctorates.
Nationality: South African
Skills and Expertise: Broad-Based Economic Empowerment, Corporate Governance & Board Leadership, Strategic Investment & Financial Services, Social Entrepreneurship & Inclusive Economic Models, Public Sector Advisory & Policy Development, Transformation & Women Empowerment, Risk Management & Ethics Oversight and Leadership in Crisis Response (e.g., Solidarity Fund).
Ms Gloria Tomatoe Serobe is a pioneering South African business leader and independent non-executive director, widely recognized for her contributions to economic empowerment and corporate governance. She holds a BCom from the University of Transkei and an MBA from Rutgers University in the United States, along with honorary doctorate from leading South African university. Ms Serobe is the founding CEO of WIPHOLD (Women Investment Portfolio Holdings), a trailblazing investment firm focused on empowering women through ownership and participation in the economy. She has served on the boards of major corporations including Sasol, Old Mutual, and the Solidarity Fund, where she played a key role in crisis response during the COVID-19 pandemic. Her expertise spans strategic investment, transformation, ethics, and inclusive development, making her a respected voice in both the private and public sectors.