Sigwe – Minister of Commerce, Industry and Trade, Manqoba Khumalo, has announced plans to establish a footwear manufacturing factory in Sigwe through a partnership between Amandla Omnotho and local youth.
The initiative was unveiled during a meeting between the minister and Gugulethu Xaba, the President and Founder of Amandla Omnotho, a company operating in both South Africa and Eswatini. The project will employ young people in the area while also offering them opportunities to become future investors and co-owners of the factory.
According to the ministry, the factory will initially produce 5,000 pairs of shoes per month, starting with school shoes. The first phase is expected to create 50 permanent jobs, with the workforce later increasing to 120. Workers will also receive on-the-job training and remuneration in line with the Kingdom’s Gazette. 
Thulani Goba, a footwear specialist, has been appointed to lead production and training. Meanwhile, Sigwe MP Cruise Ngcamphalala thanked Their Majesties for entrusting Minister Khumalo with the ministry, saying the project responds directly to the needs of his constituency.
The ministry is scheduled to visit Sigwe soon to introduce the contractor and formally launch the project.
