Maseru – Since its inception in 2012, Quantum Apparel 2 Units (Pty) Ltd, led by Managing Director Kumara Kahadugoda, has evolved from sourcing design products to becoming a powerhouse in Lesotho’s textile industry. The company’s remarkable growth is marked by securing partnerships with South Africa’s largest retailers, including Pick n Pay, Mr Price Clothing, and Jet, to mention a few.
“Last year, the Lesotho National Development Corporation (LNDC) assisted us with factory buildings, which marked the beginning of our manufacturing journey,” said Kahadugoda. “We are adopting a new approach, focusing on innovation and productivity. This is not just business as usual; it’s a new way of thinking.”
He portrayed that Unit 1 currently has 150 employees, this number is expected to grow to 350 as the facility expands. This unit has recently initiated four production lines, symbolizing the start of a robust manufacturing operation, which were opened four weeks ago. The distinctive feature of Quantum Apparel’s operations is their comprehensive approach: from market research to design and final product manufacturing, all processes are carried out within Lesotho.
Kahaduguda further showed that Unit 2, previously known as Sun Textile has 350 employees and operates in seven production lines. He said plans are underway to increase this to 16 lines and a workforce of 1,000.
Kahadugoda’s ambitious vision extends far beyond these initial expansions. “Our goal is to employ 20,000 people within the next five years. Achieving this requires collaboration and support from the government and LNDC,” he stated.
Ensuring a good working environment is a top priority for Quantum Apparel. “Every year, the companies we supply conduct compliance audits to maintain high standards in health and safety,” Kahadugoda explained.
Lebohang Molikoe, one of the managers under training, emphasized the importance of proper training for local workers. “We are working on a project to provide training for locals and our staff, teaching them how to succeed in this industry,” he said.
He showed that their social responsibility initiative, Abeaz’s Trust which is a testament to their commitment to giving back to the community through education fees and sponsoring sports teams.
The collaboration between Quantum Apparel and local CMP Company, led by Teboho Kobeli, has been instrumental in driving this transformation.
“We aim to ensure that the textile industry is understood and embraced by Basotho. When we merged, our focus was to foster Basotho participation at a high level, transforming Lesotho’s economic landscape and creating jobs,” Kobeli noted.
Their joint venture also plans to extend opportunities to rural areas. “We will utilize the cortege industry to subcontract work to rural communities,” Kobeli added. “Additionally, we aim to train and mentor young people passionate about textiles, equipping them with the skills to establish their own businesses.”
Quantum Apparel’s efforts represent just the beginning of a transformative journey for Lesotho. “There’s a lot more to come in the next two to three years, we need all the support we can get to drive these changes and improve Lesotho for the better.” Kahadugoda concluded.
With a strong foundation in place and a clear vision for the future, Quantum Apparel is poised to lead the textile industry in Lesotho into a new era of growth, innovation, and community development.
