South African Footwear and Leather Export Council (SAFLEC) is one of the key associations participating in ISEA (International Sourcing Expo Australia).

SAFLEC has been officially appointed by the South African government to promote, facilitate and export South Africa’s footwear, leather, leather goods and handbags to international markets. SAFLEC represents manufacturers across the country, with an annual production of just under 70 million pairs of footwear. Major export markets include neighboring Africa with other exports to the US, UK and Australia. But Africa accounts for more than 70 per cent of total exports.

Most members of SAFLEC are fully compliant with labor legislation in South Africa. South Africa has a well established footwear industry, both in terms of manufacturing and the import and distribution of global brands. Locally the industry incorporates nearly 175 manufacturers under the National Bargaining Council, while another 60 small, medium and microenterprises operate under it.

The footwear industry in South Africa manufactures a wide range of products including safety and protective footwear, gumboots, men’s and women’s formal and casual footwear, school shoes, slippers, sandals, ballet shoes and children’s shoes.