Cape Town – Levi Strauss & Co. celebrates 20 years of doing business in South Africa after re-entering the South African market following democratic elections in 1994.
When the Levi Strauss facility in Epping was established, the majority of its employees were unemployed and without industry experience. Today, the company employs more than 550 staff and workers and has 45 Levi’s stores in sub-Saharan Africa.
“Our decision 20 years ago to invest in South Africa was an important step in contributing to this important region for the long term,” said Chip Bergh, president and CEO of Levi Strauss & Co.
“With African countries making up seven of the top 10 fastest growing economies in the world, we are excited to be exploring the future development on the African continent.”
In addition to providing grants, the company’s employees are also involved in giving back to the community.
Each year, Levi Strauss &Co. employees in Johannesburg, Cape Town and Epping take a day off work to involve themselves in the local community, donating hundreds of hours of employee volunteer time.