NOT sticking to policies about local procurement was an outrage, said Cosatu general secretary Zwelinzima Vavi on the sidelines of the ANC's elective conference in Mangaung.

Vavi was reacting to the fact that delegates at the were wearing caps made in China.

This is despite the ruling party's policy conference decision in June that "the paraphernalia ordered for 53rd National Conference must be made in South Africa".

Economic Development Minister Ebrahim Patel confirmed at a business breakfast yesterday that the government is committed to give manufacturing a boost by procuring from local firms.

Asked about the caps made in China, Patel said he was not aware that the clothing for the elective conference was not domestically made and in conflict with the June conference's recommendations.

Patel had referred to "low hanging" fruit South Africa could pick in the short term, while the country is addressing longer term challenges such as its skills shortage and inadequate infrastructure.