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Johannesburg, 28 Oct, 2025 - Cheap imitations of heritage brands are not just a threat to our economy; they undermine 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.

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

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

Every phase of most Southern African cultural life is marked by blankets, and they share a love for them – this includes Basotho, Ndebele and Xhosa people and others. Their cultural significance is deep.  For all cultural rites of passage, a blanket plays a significant role and  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 – 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 quality 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’ time 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 to 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

For further information please contact:
Leigh-Ann Carey
Leigh-Annc@meropa.co.za
073 055 1015

or 

Grace Belger
graceb@meropa.co.za
082 330 3074