Reports

In support of South Africa’s green industrialisation agenda and the objectives of the South African Renewable Energy Masterplan (SAREM), the Localisation Support Fund (LSF) commissioned a market study to assess the global Vanadium Redox Flow Battery (VRFB) value chain and identify strategic opportunities for South African participation.

The case study examines Coricraft’s localisation efforts and their impact on South Africa’s furniture sector. It highlights how the deliberate application of lean manufacturing principles, supported by the Localisation Support Fund (LSF) and aligned with the Furniture Industry Master Plan, has delivered measurable results in competitiveness, job retention, and supply chain development.

This case study explores the Localisation Support Fund’s partnership with Carbo Ferrum, a 51% black-owned steel manufacturer in the Eastern Cape, to boost South Africa’s transmission tower capacity. Targeted technical support improved efficiency, safety, and quality systems, positioning the company to potentially double production within a year. Anchored by demand from Eskom’s Transmission Development Plan, the intervention shows how structured localisation can revitalise manufacturing and support the energy transition.

The report analyses the impact of offshore e-commerce retailers (OERs) like Shein and Temu on South Africa's retail clothing and textile industry. It examines historical trends and forecasts future scenarios, detailing how OERs' digitized, cost-optimized models have led to significant market share gains and job displacement in South Africa. The report compares South Africa's policy responses to those of other countries highlighting a global trend toward tighter regulations to ensure fair competition. Ultimately, it provides strategic recommendations for policymakers and local businesses to mitigate risks and enhance competitiveness within the evolving e-commerce landscape.

A new study by the Localisation Support Fund (LSF), Price Benchmarking Study on Steel Lattice Towers used for Power Transmission and Distribution, reveals that South Africa has the potential to compete in steel tower manufacturing if domestic demand is stable and strategic interventions are made.

To enhance the impact of the Retail–Clothing Textile Footwear Leather Master Plan 2030, the LSF supported two projects within the sector, at the Green Thread Manufacturing factory and KARMA Clothing factory.

In support of enhancing the impact of the South African Renewable Energy Masterplan (SAREM), the LSF commissioned a study to analyze the local manufacturing capacity and capability for components used in the three main renewable energy technologies namely, Solar PV, Wind and Battery energy storage systems.

In June 2023, The Localisation Support Fund, pursuant to the national effort around securing energy supply initiated a study to understand the local manufacturing capability for components used in the Transmission and Distribution network.

In December 2022, the South African Furniture Initiative (SAFI), on behalf of the local furniture manufacturing industry, made an application to the Localisation Support Fund (LSF) to facilitate the adoption of lean manufacturing principles among a cluster of local furniture manufacturers.

In 2022, the Localisation Support Fund commissioned a study to understand the barriers to market access for local medical devices manufacturers in South Africa.