The heart of Africa’s wealthiest square mile became the stage for a powerful movement as South African fashion leaders took to the streets in a bold march against illicit trade in the industry. The march, a key feature of the Buy Local Summit & Expo 2025, was a rallying call for consumers, retailers, and policymakers to prioritise locally made goods and protect jobs within the sector.
The march followed an engaging panel discussion, “Timeless Threads – The Evolution of South African Fashion,” moderated by Ouma Tema, founder of Plus Fab. The panel featured industry icons such as Mzukisi Mbane, Palesa Mokubung, David Tlale, Otsile Sefolo, Vanya Mangaliso, and Craig Jacobs, who dissected both the progress of South African fashion and the devastating impact of illicit trade.
Speaking at the event, renowned designer David Tlale emphasised the urgency of the issue: “We need to reignite the clothing and textile industry. It’s not just about government intervention—it’s about private sector players, manufacturers, retailers, and the public coming together. When you buy local, you create local jobs, support local families, and contribute to economic growth. Being proudly South African isn’t just a slogan; it’s 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.”
Proudly South African’s Chief Marketing Officer, Happy Ngidi, echoed this sentiment, stating: “Illicit trade is crippling our economy and threatening the livelihoods of South African entrepreneurs, designers, and workers. Every counterfeit or illegally imported garment sold is 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.”
The march concluded with a memorandum being presented to Dr. Jay Irkhede, the Director of Leather and Footwear at the Department of Trade, Industry, and Competition (dtic), along with Michael Lawrence, executive director of the National Clothing Retail Federation (NCRF). This memorandum emphasised the urgent need for enhanced measures to address and combat counterfeit goods and unfair competition within the fashion industry.
With growing momentum behind the Buy Local movement, South Africans are encouraged to continue the conversation online using #BuyLocalSummit2025 and #BuyLocalToCreateJobs.