Textiles off to a brisk 2011

Last month's exports are the sixth highest in 22 months, a period during which the textile sector nearly collapsed under the weight of the recession, stiff competition from Asian rivals and reduced support from Southern African Customs Union Duty Credit Certificates.

During the period, the sector shed more than 70 percent of the 8, 000 jobs it boasted prior to the recession, prompting government to avail a P38 million rescue package last January, targeted at saving citizen jobs.