SAFLIA's roots date back to 1944 when the Footwear Manufacturers Federation (FMF) was formed. In 1997 the FMF changed its title to SAFLIA in order to encompass leather sector suppliers. SAFLIA is formally registered with the Department of Labour as a national employer organisation. SAFLIA is party to the National Bargaining Council of the Leather Industry (NBCLI) . SAFLIA is also a trade association looking after the interests of its members and the industry on the whole at both micro and macro levels on international trade in dialogue with government and private sector organisations. SAFLIA is a non-profit organisation committed to the promotion and survival and growth of the footwear and leather sector in Southern Africa. It lives up to its motto: Servire et Servare, to serve and to protect.