PlatAfrica is again partnering with African Fashion International (AFI), as part of its ongoing strategy to build the platinum jewellery market, to showcase this year’s finalists’ pieces as part of 2021 Joburg Fashion Week.
The winners in the student/apprentice and professional categories, as well as the popular People’s Choice Award, will be announced during a virtual showcase event on 29 October.
Now in its 22nd year and hosted annually by Anglo American Platinum in partnership with Metal Concentrators and Platinum Guild International India (PGI India), PlatAfrica aims to promote innovation and technical expertise in platinum jewellery design and manufacturing in South Africa.
This year’s theme – Metamorphosis – was developed in consultation with PGI India and was inspired by the transformation phases that a caterpillar undergoes to morph into a butterfly.
Natascha Viljoen, CEO of Anglo American Platinum, said: “Platinum has been a highly sought after jewellery metal for consumers for decades and we are proud of the part we continue to play to promote platinum as a precious metal of choice for discerning jewellers and consumers. Building on the success of last year’s event, we are very excited to again partner with AFI who have continued to stand at the centre of the evolution of the fashion industry in South Africa. Our partnership with the Metal Concentrators and Platinum Guild International (PGI) continues to provide us with a platform to contribute towards developing consumer demand for platinum.
“PlatAfrica is a highlight on our calendar, and we have again been very impressed by the quality and creativity of the pieces. We trust that initiatives such as PlatAfrica will continue to inspire and introduce this versatile precious metal to a wider audience of jewellers and consumers, while also creating space for emerging creative talent.”
Dr. Precious Moloi-Motsepe, founder of AFI, said: “PlatAfrica has built a reputation for inspiring creativity and quality in platinum jewellery design in South Africa. What excites me about our partnership with PlatAfrica is the opportunity to showcase our local talent to an international audience, thus contributing to our creative capital.”
Pallavi Sharma, Head of Strategic Design and Development from PGI India, said: “PlatAfrica is a project that blows one’s mind away every year. Yet again, the finalists have exceeded all expectations in the delivery of jewellery pieces that will continue to cement them at the cutting edge of platinum design.”
All the one-of-a-kind jewellery pieces entered for PlatAfrica will be available from 29 October for sale online. The pieces will be hosted on the House of Nala AFI online store for a limited period and will go live after the show on 29 October. For an in person preview, the pieces will be available at the House of Nala Concept Store at The Leonardo Apartments in Sandton, Johannesburg only on 30 and 31 October 2021
This year’s finalists are,
Professional category:
Agose Jacob Mokoena from Pneuma Jewellers
Alva Brycke in collaboration with Jack Friedman and Aurum Manufacturing Busisiwe Sinini from The Platinum Incubator- MillowMakings (Pty) Ltd Chris & Jannie Janse van Rensburg from Studio C
Christina Toros from Prins & Prins Diamonds
Johann Claasens from Piccolo Fine Designer Jewellery
Lené Swartz from David Bolding
Reitumetse Choene & Lesedi Seabelo from The Platinum Incubator
Phumlani Mngoma from Pneuma Jewellers
Sifiso Khumalo from Sivana Diamonds
Student/ apprentice category:
Asisipo Njemla from Cape Peninsula University of Technology
Dumisani Mahlangu from The Platinum Incubator Gaorelatlhe Mboweni from The Platinum Incubator Godfrey Olebogeng Kobi from The Platinum Incubator Jané Schoeman from Prins& Prins Diamonds
Lebogang Ledwaba from Limpopo Jewellery Business Incubator
Patricia Ntombizodwa Tshabalala from J Hind Jewellers Rudi Travis Campbell from Rare Earth Creations Tokelo Mphomane from Pneuma Jewellers
Tor Kaplan from Stellenbosch University
