Frame Textile Group embarked on a significant downsizing in 1988, thirty-three per cent of workers were retrenched. The Southern African Clothing and Textile Workers Union (SACTWU) negotiated attractive severance packages for affected workers. In addition, they negotiated with Frame Textile Group to provide R2. 5million in working capital and fabric credit to help fund the new company. SACTWU committed itself to provide the facilities, equipment, management and training to boost the fledged company and set it on its way. Zenzeleni Clothing started in 1989, a name given by the workers to mean "We do it ourselves". Workers who were retrenched from the Frame Textile Group made up part of the three hundred workers that were employed. The company provided a lifeline and opportunity of not only gainful re-employment but of skills development in the garment industry as opposed to the spinning / weaving and finishing (Textile Industry) from which they had come from.