Why cheap copies of heritage textiles are a threat to South Africa’s culture and economy

 

Palesa Tladi (wearing the Chabana sa Khomo blanket)  and Kerri Poolman (wearing the Kharetsa blanket from the Basotho Heritage brand) –  Aranda Textile Mills

 

Counterfeit products hurt local businesses, erase creativity, and take away the real value of authentic heritage brands.

Cheap imitations of heritage brands are not just a threat to our economy; they are an insult to the traditions that shaped them. What may look like an attractive bargain on the surface comes at the cost of local jobs, cultural pride and the future of an industry that carries deep meaning for many South Africans. 

We have worked in textiles for over thirty years and still marvel at the role that blankets play in many lives in Africa. For the Basotho, a blanket is life itself—kobo ke Bophelo—nothing is more beautiful. Blankets are not just fabric—they are living archives of family and cultural history.  

Blankets mark every phase of most Southern African cultural life and they share a love for them – this includes Basotho, Ndebele and Xhosa people and others. Their cultural significance is deep. The baby is received in a blanket, initiates wrap themselves in blankets before emerging as adults, blankets form part of many cultural wedding ceremonies, and those who have passed on are sometimes even wrapped in a blanket for burial. Blankets are passed down through the generations.   

That is why the rise of poorly made copies is so damaging. These fakes aren’t just cheaper alternatives – they strip away the cultural meaning and craftsmanship that only comes from generations of knowledge, long-standing relationships with communities and even royal families and a commitment to quality. To buy into these imitations is to ignore the very heritage they pretend to represent. 

Unfortunately, the textile industry in South Africa faces many challenges, and it has shrunk after enduring decades of struggle. The South African textile industry has already endured decades of struggle – factory closures, job losses and relentless competition from cheap imports. Yet, there are signs of renewal. More and more consumers are turning towards local products and paying attention to ethics and sustainability and the ethics of production. This momentum must not be undermined by the short-term lure of counterfeit goods. 

Supporting authentic local blankets is about more than preserving jobs. It is about protecting the integrity of cultural symbols and giving designers in South Africa and Lesotho a platform to innovate. If we value heritage today, we also create the heritage of tomorrow. In fifty years, the designs we nurture now could carry the same meaning and pride as those we inherited from the past. 

 Heritage products carry responsibility: to communities, culture, as well as the economy. When we buy authentically, we invest in future generations, which will ensure that traditions remain intact and that new creations have space to grow. Cheap copies may save a few rands in the moment, but they cost us something far more valuable – our identity and the future of an industry rooted in pride 

Caring for the communities it serves is vital for local businesses, and it is pivotal for consumers to be aware of quality and heritage so that they have a sense of pride in their purchases and contribute to the economies in Southern Africa, where imports degrade this base. 

 By preserving heritage through its blankets, we ensure that the knowledge and traditions of the past are entrusted to future generations, enriching our South African society and providing inspiration for the future. 

 

About Aranda Textile Mills 

 Established in 1953, Aranda Textile Mills is the oldest blanket manufacturer in South   Africa and the sole manufacturer of all Authentic Basotho Heritage Blankets worldwide. We offer the finest quality blankets, throws, shawls, and more, with an extensive selection that blends timeless elegance with modern flair. Our collections beautifully celebrate the rich tapestry of African culture and heritage. 

 

 Our products are produced using the highest quality yarns, which is why Aranda is the producer of some of the finest textile products in the world. The superior finish of these products is unique to Aranda, and it is what makes us stand out among the world’s best. Our exquisite craftsmanship, combined with our diverse backgrounds, has enabled us to secure a place within the competitive global market.  

 Trust the label – if it says Aranda, it is Aranda. #itisAranda