Sandton’s chic streets turned into a runway of resistance on Monday afternoon as South Africa’s local fashion designers, alongside local creatives, took to the streets to demand action against the rising tide of counterfeit goods.
The protest, which formed part of the Proudly South African Buy Local Summit & Expo, saw influential designers like David Tlale, Palesa Mokubung (Mantsho), Craig Jacobs (Fundudzi), and a slew of other local design heavyweights join forces in a stand for local jobs and industries.
The protest wasn’t just about fashion—it was about survival. With the South African clothing and textile industry on the brink of collapse, local designers are speaking out, and they’re demanding change from the government.
David Tlale, one of the biggest names in local fashion, didn’t mince words.
“The clothing and textile industry is dying,” he said.
“Over 70 000 jobs have been lost, factories have closed, and our skills are fading away. Our government is failing to protect us, and we’re drowning in a sea of cheap, imported counterfeits.”
The march took place against the backdrop of Sandton, Johannesburg’s financial capital, where the glaring presence of illegal counterfeit goods is hurting local businesses.
The counterfeit market is thriving, threatening the livelihoods of designers and manufacturers who’ve worked tirelessly to build a sustainable industry. Local entrepreneurs, who should be the backbone of the economy, are finding themselves on the edge as factories shut down and cheap imports flood the market.
The designers are calling for more than just acknowledgment—they want action. They want the government to relax stringent regulatory requirements that weigh heavily on small businesses.
Main Image: Simphiwe Majola via Instagram
The post appeared first on EntertainmentSA News South Africa.
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