Fashion leaders march against illicit trade at Buy Local Summit
South African fashion icons unite in a powerful march, urging consumers to support locally made goods and combat illicit trade.
South African fashion leaders took to the streets during the Buy Local Summit and Expo 2025 in Sandton to protest against the illicit trade in the industry, such as counterfeit or illegally imported garments.
This powerful demonstration aimed to encourage consumers, retailers, and policymakers to support locally made goods and protect jobs in the sector.
The march followed a panel discussion, Timeless Threads – The Evolution of South African Fashion, featuring industry icons such as Mzukisi Mbane, Palesa Mokubung, David Tlale, Otsile Sefolo, Vanya Mangaliso, and Craig Jacobs, who highlighted the impact of illicit trade.
David Tlale stressed the urgency of addressing the issue.
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“We need to reignite the clothing and textile industry,” he said. “It is not just about government intervention, it is about private sector players, manufacturers, retailers, and the public coming together. Buying local creates local jobs, supports local families, and contributes to economic growth.”
He added being proudly South African was not just a slogan, it was a solution to unemployment, poverty, and economic strife.
“Supporting locally made goods, whether clothing, food, or other products, empowers us all to build a stronger, self-sustaining nation.”
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Happy Ngidi, the CMO of Proudly South African said, “Illicit trade is crippling our economy and threatening the livelihoods of South African entrepreneurs, designers, and workers.”
Ngidi added every counterfeit or illegally imported garment sold was a missed opportunity for a local business to thrive.
“Our message is simple: ‘Buy local to create more jobs.’ We urge consumers to be mindful of their purchasing power, it has the potential to sustain and grow our economy.”
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The march concluded with a memorandum presented to Dr Jay Irkhede of the Department of Trade, Industry, and Competition and Michael Lawrence of the National Clothing Retail Federation, calling for stronger action to combat counterfeit goods and unfair competition in the fashion industry.
