Behind the seams: the story of Sirdicks and the uniforms of the SANDF

You often hear the phrase “respect the uniform” but behind every stitch and seam of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) attire are the hands that made it. For almost three decades, a quiet, yet remarkable operation in the heart of Woodstock has been manufacturing the uniforms that thousands of soldiers wear with pride.

The family-run business, Sirdicks, has stitched its way through generations of change from hand-cut tailoring to advanced machinery while keeping one mission constant: producing quality garments that carry the weight of national service and dignity.

Sirdicks was founded nearly 30 years ago by Sedick Gierdien, a master tailor trained by his own father, who once ran a small formalwear workshop in Cape Town. What began as a modest tailoring business supplying hotel attire and formal uniforms eventually grew into a trusted national supplier of defence and service uniforms, including the distinctive camouflage worn by members of the SANDF.

The company, currently owned by Sedick and Najwa Gierdien have been part of the lives of all who has worked there over the years. Shuaib explained his mother, Najwa has a pivotal role in the business and atttibutes her drive for female upliftment to the companies ethos.

The company is under the stewardship of brothers Shuaib and Yasin Gierdien, the third generation to run the family business. Shuaib serves as Business Development Manager, while Yasin oversees daily operations. Together, they are preserving a family legacy stitched with skill, sacrifice and community spirit.

“We take immense pride in knowing that every uniform we produce represents service, sacrifice and the spirit of South Africa,” said Shuaib Gierdien.

“You always hear people say, ‘respect the uniform,’ but for us, it’s even more personal. We're the ones behind every stitch that helps carry that respect.”

From its beginnings as a small workshop with a few sewing machines, Sirdicks now employs over 100 people, most of them women from surrounding Cape Town communities. According to Shuaib, the company’s workforce forms the backbone of its longevity.

“Our staff are the heart of this company. Many have been with us for 15 or even 20 years,” said Shuaib. “We see them as family. When you empower women, you uplift entire households, and that’s something we’re deeply committed to.”

Over the years, Sirdicks has not only dressed South Africa’s armed forces but also supplied uniforms for police, correctional services, and municipalities. The company is also one of the first black-owned firms in South Africa to produce bulletproof vests for the police service, marking an important milestone in local manufacturing history.

But staying competitive hasn’t been easy. The rise of cheaper imports, fluctuating textile quality, and the loss of skilled machinists have all threatened the sustainability of local production. Despite these challenges, Sirdicks continues to prioritise quality over cost, maintaining strict standards in line with government specifications.

“We’ve seen many competitors come and go,” said Shuaib. “What’s kept us going is consistency and integrity. We deliver what we promise, and we never compromise on the quality that has defined us for decades.”

Part of that consistency comes from Sirdicks’ ongoing relationship with oversight bodies that inspect every batch before delivery ensuring uniforms meet exacting standards. The company is also involved in research and development projects for new SANDF uniforms, adapting to modern requirements such as improved comfort, body diversity and international design trends.

“The defence force uniforms of today are very different from 30 years ago,” said Shuaib. “We’ve been part of upgrading and modernising designs to suit a new generation of soldiers men and women of all shapes and backgrounds. It’s about keeping tradition alive while embracing change.”

Despite the gradual shift toward automation, Shuaib believes the human touch remains essential in their craft.

“A machine can cut fabric, but it can’t care about what that garment represents,” said Shuaib. “The pride our machinists feel when they see someone in uniform, knowing they stitched that collar or hem that’s something no computer can replicate.”

Looking ahead, the Gierdien brothers aim to expand Sirdicks’ reach while nurturing new talent in textile manufacturing. Their focus is on skills development, ensuring that the next generation of machinists and pattern-makers keeps the industry alive.

“We’re proof that local manufacturing still has a place in South Africa,” said Shuaib. “Our hope is that 30 years from now, someone from the fourth generation of our family or from the families of our staff will still be here, keeping the tradition going.”

Machinist Dianne Festus, who has been working for Sirdicks for 14 years recalled a personal moment, when her daughter, who is a law enforcement officer, graduated in the very same uniform she made.

“It was a double proud moment for me.”

Gloria Nathan, said the feeling of seeing the countries protectors wearing something that comes from her hands is something she cannot describe.