Textile Industry Needs Saving
Monday, June 24, 2019
MTI Permanent Secretary Peggy Serame PIC: PHATSIMO KAPENG
The once profitable sector has had its own fair share of struggle with some factories closing shop.
The industry temporarily recovered between 2009 and 2011 when the government, in response to the global recession, granted the textile industry a two-year P38 million ‘special support programme’ designed specifically to fund payment of wages.
When claims of such gravity are made, especially by a sitting Assistant Minister they cannot be brushed aside, delayed, or treated as routine political noise. Even the Ombudsman has confirmed receipt of a report from a political party and a review of these complaints is now underway. That is a necessary first step. But it is only the beginning. The seriousness of the allegations demands urgency, transparency and clarity. The public is entitled to...