Page 31 - KZN Top Business Portfolio eBook -2024

A SYMBOL OF PROGRESS
Argento Trading 117cc is a 100% black-owned, women-
led Cut-Make-Trim (CMT) production facility based
in Isithebe, KwaZulu-Natal. At the helm of Argento is
the passionate and tenacious co-founder, Joudalle
Govender who works alongside her husband TK
Govender (founder and operational director). The
couple are breaking boundaries in the local clothing
and textile sector and take immense pride in their
predominantly woman-managed and owned team,
a diverse group of dedicated individuals who work
passionately to bring their vision to life. As a leading
CMT factory specialising in manufacturing corporate
and fashion apparel, the company’s commitment to
excellence, social responsibility, and empowerment
sets them apart in the industry.
where inclusivity and collaboration are the driving
Growth and Development forces. “It’s no easy feat when you have to get 70 ladies
Established with a vision for growth and community to all be in agreement at any one time,” says Joudalle.
impact, Argento Trading 117cc is a proudly South African This dedication to creating a harmonious and empower-
business that holds a unique position in the apparel ing workplace has led Argento Trading to be recognised
industry. In addition to their expertise in manufacturing as the fastest-growing small medium enterprise
corporate and fashion apparel, they have taken through the SME Accelerator programme in 2023.
strides to further enhance their vertical integration by
establishing their own mill factory. However, Joudalle says that her biggest achievement,
and Argento’s as well, has been opening a training
The mill factory plays a vital role in their commitment school for 18 young women from rural areas. She
to producing high-quality garments. With state-of-the- commented, ‘I think the training school was a highlight
art equipment and skilled technicians, they are able to for me as a leader, which goes far beyond just monetary
produce their own premium cotton fabric. value, as leaving a legacy behind is important.”
This vertical integration not only ensures the superior Primary Audiences
quality of their products but also allows them to have Argento Trading 117cc products cater for two primary
greater control over the entire production process, from audiences:
raw material to the finished garment.
ƒ Corporate Clients: This includes businesses,
Argento Trading 117cc takes great pride in contributing organisations, and institutes seeking high-quality
to the growth and development of the local textile and and customised corporate apparel for their staff.
apparel industry. By producing their cotton locally, they ƒ Fashion Brands: They partner with fashion brands
support the local economy and create job opportunities looking for a reliable manufacturing partner to
for talented individuals in their region. Moreover, this bring their brands to life with precision
approach aligns perfectly with their core values of and finesse. Argento Trading has successfully
empowerment and social responsibility, as they actively manufactured for well-known brands.
invest in the well-being of their community.
A Lasting Legacy
Core Values
Their journey towards becoming a leader in the industry As Argento Trading continues to grow, they remain
committed to their mission of empowering individuals
has been driven by the dedication of their pre- from disadvantaged areas, nurturing their skills, and
dominantly woman-managed and owned team. Under positively impacting their wellness. Their ultimate vision
Joudalle’s visionary leadership, Argento Trading, has is to be recognised as a brand that embodies social
evolved into a thriving company with a predominantly responsibility and integrity, not just within our nation
female workforce of 70 employees. but on an international stage.
Joudalle has been the driving force behind Argento Argento Trading 117cc is more than just a CMT factory;
Trading’s success, consistently upholding the company’s they are a symbol of progress, innovation, and pride for
core values of excellence, empowerment, inclusivity, our nation. They invite you to be a part of their journey
social responsibility, and integrity. as they create a lasting legacy in the apparel industry,
One of her most significant achievements, she believes, driven by their unwavering commitment to quality,
is fostering a culture of stability within her company, empowerment, and the spirit of South Africa.

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