The cosmetic industry is estimated to contribute R25 billion to the economy, without taking into account the informal sector, which also contributes to the economy.
"We hope that those SMMEs that are still mixing and producing from their backyards and selling informally will learn that they can become formal and penetrate the bigger market, and even export to other countries," said Thabethe on Thursday, 23 May 2013.
The deputy minister was speaking at the first cosmetics sector workshop for SMMEs in Gauteng.
The cosmetics sector, she said, had been resilient in the recent tough economic times and had shown significant growth in awareness and usage of cosmetic and toiletries by the male population.
"This growth in products that cater for the specific needs of the male market is an area of great opportunity for the local cosmetics and toiletries industry. The age of the metro-sexual male has taken off in the South African market," she said.
The workshop was hosted to promote networks between companies, agencies and government. Agencies like the Cosmetics Industry Export Council (CECOSA), which works closely with the Department of Trade and Industry to help businesses with export advice and opportunities were also present at the workshop.
At the workshop, SMMEs were given the opportunity to learn about the Cosmetics Toiletries & Fragrances Association (CTFA) and incubation centres that are based in Gauteng, youth incentives, women incentives as well as Black Economic Empowerment schemes, among others.
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