Apart from its stunning scenery, South Africa is blessed with an abundance of natural resources, and there are a variety of factories visitors and locals can tour. If you’re a lover of fashion, then the below three factory tours should already be on your list of places to see.

A traditional diamond engagement ring. By Koshyk (Flickr)

1.  Shimansky Jewellery Manufacturing Workshop and Diamond Tour – Cape Town

If you’re planning on getting engaged or getting your partner jewellery, you should definitely go on this tour first. It occurs daily from 9am – 9pm and starts at the Clock Tower, within the V&A Waterfront. First you’ll learn about past and present diamond mining operations, next you will watch how a rough diamond is cut and shaped by skilled professionals,  before it becomes the ‘girl’s best friend’ you’re used to seeing. You can enjoy some complimentary tea and coffee as you wander the Shimansky showroom, and see the variety of collections and sparkling stones they have available for purchase. To book a spot, give them a call. Tel: 021-421-2788.

Image depicting a cobbler at work. By Georges Jansoone (Creative Commons)

2.  Wupperthal Shoe Factory – Wupperthal

Everyone needs shoes, and shoe making is one of the oldest professions in the world, though it’s not given nearly as much love as other professions. But truth be told, you’d be hopping mad (especially in summer) if someone went for a mile-long walk in your shoes, and you were left without. If you’re interested in learning how footwear has changed over the centuries, or want a pair of vellies like those Nelson Mandela picked up while here, then you should visit the oldest shoe factory in South Africa. There are currently only five employees here, but up to 42 were employed in the past. The current craftsmen include descendants of the original shoemakers in South Africa. The factory can be found in Wupperthal, just outside of Cederberg, and close by to Clanwilliam. To buy your own pair of shoes, or to organise a tour, call Arnold. Tel: 027 492 3017.

 

From silk thread to soft and colourful clothes. By ingermaaike2 and wonderlane (Flickr)

3.  Africa Silks Factory Tour – Graskop

Silk has been marvelled at for centuries. It’s soft, shiny, drapes beautifully on curves, and adds that extra special oomph to outfits, pyjama’s, or bathrobes. In short, it’s something akin to a luxurious second skin for many women, and some discerning gentlemen. The factory tour takes place at the Africa Silks Factory in Louis Trichardt Street. Here, you will learn how silkworm cocoons are turned into threads, then into yarn, and finally, are hand-woven to form a variety of items, created by the local community. As there is a need for job creation, Africa Silks started a community project in the Northern Province, called Iterileng Project. Over 50 women work here and between them support 361 children in their extended family. Once your tour is done, you can browse their showroom, or purchase their unique body and skin care range. The skin products are enriched with a raw material from silkworms called Sericin. Please call ahead for tour times and rates. Tel: 013-767-1950.

Let us know who, what and where your favourite fashion factories are!

Main image credited to duke9042004 (Flickr). Third image credited to ingermaaike2 (Flickr) and wonderlane (Flickr).