MEC urges fashion designers to become global industry leaders
"We must become confident in what we produce."
MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Sighle Zikalala expressed his hope to one day see Made in Africa labels on clothing during his address at the Africa Fashion Exchange (AFX) gala dinner at the Greyville Convention Centre.
Urging African designers to take advantage of such platforms to increase their knowledge so that they can become competitive, Zikalala said: “This is the Africa gateway where fashion meets business. We must be the best. We must become confident in what we produce. We must provide quality. If we remain stagnant and do not become innovative, we will become history.”
THE MEC said the event, now in its second year, was already asserting a confident African identity through African designs and fashion. “It is already defining an era where African fashion designers are claiming their space and creativity to define the Africa of their future. They are leading an identity, fashion, and beauty revolution that says in the global village of nations, there is a family of Africans who do not only take from their neighbors, but also contribute to world culture and human civilization,” said Zikalala.
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The shows Emerging Youth and Plus sizes’ designers segment, was given the thumbs up by the MEC, who said this contributed to the diversity and rich African dreams about what the future of global fashion should look like.
“We are happy to learn that the Emerging Youth and Plus Size designers are showcasing their designs after having been trained in technical skills and business skills. The department is invested in supporting new talent and innovators who will also lead in revolutionizing the industry by utilizing environmentally sustainable materials to create products that have a truly KZN and African signature.” he said.
“In the world of digitisation, knowledge economy and the 4th Industrial Revolution, we look to African designers to shape the new agenda of inclusive growth, industrialisation and justice for the people of Africa. Africa must again be known as a global leader in manufacturing, not just a continent known for conspicuous consumption.Our government is ready and willing to work with you to sell the unique African story and open world markets for your designs,” he concluded.
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