LOCAL DESIGNERS TO SHOWCASE AT 2024 MTC WINDHOEK FASHION WEEK
EThekwini Municipality continues to support local fashion designers by
providing them with access to markets to ensure their business
sustainability. This year, the Municipality has funded two Durban
designers to participate in the 2024 MTC Windhoek Fashion Week, taking
place from today, November 6th until 9 November at Maerua Mall in
Windhoek, Namibia.
Sandile “Duke” Mngadi, the Creative Director and Owner of DUKE “Clothe
Your Soul” and Sicelo Dlezi, the founder of YATSAR Clothing, are the
designers representing Durban. They will showcase their work on this
international platform tomorrow, 7 November. Both designers are
success stories of the City’s Fashion Development Programme which
mentors, upskills, and provides several growth initiatives to local,
emerging designers.
Mngadi expressed his excitement about the opportunity.“I’m honoured to
represent Durban and the Municipality’s Fashion Development Programme
at the 2024 MTC Windhoek Fashion Week. This is a chance to further
position my brand and promote Durban’s growing fashion industry. It is
also inspiring for young, emerging designers from disadvantaged
communities to see that anything is possible. We are deeply grateful
to the Municipality for these opportunities,” he said.
Dlezi also shared her enthusiasm for the once-in-a-lifetime
opportunity. “I look forward to showcasing my designs, networking with
buyers, retailers, and media from Namibia, and exploring new
international markets for my brand. I’m incredibly thankful to the
Municipality for recognising my work and continuously providing growth
opportunities.”
The MTC Windhoek Fashion Week is part of a strategic partnership
between the eThekwini Municipality and the event organisers to elevate
Durban’s fashion industry and establish the City as a prominent
fashion hub in Africa.
Chairperson of the City’s Economic Development and Planning Committee
Councillor Thembo Ntuliemphasised the significance of this
partnership. “This collaboration offers Durban designers a chance to
connect with new markets, expand their networks, and boost the City’s
global fashion footprint.”
As part of the partnership, eThekwini Municipality and Windhoek signed
a memorandum of agreement in September 2024, making Windhoek an
official sister city of Durban. This collaboration includes
initiatives such as a fashion designer exchange programme, a model’s
exchange, and stakeholder engagement, which will help build lasting
ties between the two cities.
Councillor Ntuli concluded: “As eThekwini Municipality, we are
committed to providing designers with platforms to showcase their
talent and connect with international markets. We’re excited for
Mngadi and Dlezi to represent Durban’s creative spirit on this
prestigious stage and wish them all the best.”
