Cape Town will soon host a groundbreaking event in the world of fashion and textiles. The Africa Textile Talks 2024, organized by Twyg and Imiloa Collective, will take place on August 15 at Workshop17, V&A Waterfront. This event will bring together some of the most influential figures in the African textile industry to explore how fashion can evolve in a post-fossil fuel future.
Nkwo Onwuka, a Nigerian fashion designer and founder of the brand NKWO, will be a keynote speaker. Onwuka has made a name for herself as a champion of sustainable fashion. Her brand collaborates closely with regional artists and communities, focusing on reducing textile waste and preserving cultural heritage. Beyond fashion, Onwuka’s work emphasizes conscious consumption and environmental preservation, making her a leading voice in the movement towards sustainability.
Another notable speaker is Muktar Dodo, the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) representative for Africa. Dodo is dedicated to promoting organic and sustainable textile practices across the continent. His role involves facilitating collaborations between various stakeholders to ensure environmentally friendly and socially responsible manufacturing processes. Dodo’s efforts are crucial in building a robust market for certified organic products in Africa, protecting the environment, supporting local communities, and ensuring safer products for buyers.
Josephine Musaka and Pamela Kyagera, co-founders of Mekeka Design in Uganda, will also share their extensive experience in the textiles and crafts sector. Musaka, a researcher, academic, and owner of AKA Gallery in Kampala, and Kyagera, who brings marketing and business expertise, work to support local artisans and promote the rich craft traditions of Uganda. Their collaborative studio in Kampala, Mekeka Design, is a hub for innovation and preservation in the Ugandan textile industry.
Sammy Oteng, representing The Or Foundation from Ghana, will discuss his work at the intersection of environmental justice, education, and fashion development. As the Community Engagement Manager of the foundation’s No More Fast Fashion Lab, Oteng has been repurposing secondhand clothing for over a decade. His efforts focus on addressing the vast amount of clothing waste that ends up in the natural environment and landfill sites in Ghana. Oteng helps develop circular product design, waste management solutions, and skills training programs, making significant contributions to sustainable fashion practices.
Johanna Bramble, an artist and textile designer who has spent over ten years in West Africa, will bring her unique perspective to the event. Born in Paris, Bramble has embraced the rich weaving traditions of Côte d’Ivoire and Senegal, incorporating modern features into her work. She creates timeless and contemporary pieces of textile art using materials such as plastic, metal, leather, glass beads, and even fibre optics. Through her eponymous label, Bramble continues to inspire new ideas and designs, making fabrics for accessories, lighting, furniture, and decor.
The event will also feature a host of South African experts, including Ayanda Bam, Lindsay Humphreys, Krelyne Andrew, Beauty Mokgwamme, Rupert Koopman, Caroline Nelson, and Deon Saayman.
Ayanda Bam, a hemp expert and CEO of TexTTan Industries, has been a visionary leader in the textile industry for over 15 years. His commitment to sustainability and innovation is reflected in his roles as the business leader for the National Cannabis Masterplan for South Africa, President of the Friends of Hemp South Africa (FoHSA) advocacy group, and founding member of the Federation of Industrial Hemp Organisations (FIHO).
Lindsay Humphreys, CEO and founder of The Rethink Lab, will participate in a panel discussion on regenerative farming. With 15 years of experience in sustainability, Humphreys has been a leader in the intersection of agriculture and fashion. She has previously served as General Manager at Mohair South Africa and Sustainability Manager at BKB, where she pioneered innovative strategies to promote sustainable practices within the natural fibre industry in South Africa.
Simphiwe Fani, an angora goat farmer, will join Humphreys on the panel. Fani, along with his brother Linda, expanded their family business to angora goat farming in 2014 with support from the Mohair Empowerment Trust. Today, the Fani brothers are certified under the Responsible Wool Standard (RWS) and Responsible Mohair Standard (RMS), showcasing their dedication to sustainable farming practices.
Caroline Nelson, CEO of H&M South Africa, will also contribute to the discussion on regenerative farming. Nelson has led initiatives such as regional manufacturing collaborations and efforts to upskill and hire individuals with disabilities. Her work underscores the importance of sustainability within the retail sector, pushing the limits of what is feasible in retail by encouraging teamwork and embedding sustainability in the company’s ethos.
Deon Saayman, CEO of Cape Wools SA, will share his insights on driving sustainable change in the textile industry. Saayman started his career as Financial Manager at Mohair South Africa before being promoted to General Manager and ultimately Managing Director. He was instrumental in launching the Mohair Industry’s Sustainable Guidelines and the Sustainable Cape Wool Standard (SCWS). His leadership has been pivotal in making the South African mohair industry fully sustainable.
Krelyne Andrew, head of Sappi’s dissolving pulp product Verve, is a multi-award-winning sustainability expert. In 2021, she led a blockchain traceability project for Sappi in partnership with a key customer and was nominated by Forbes for its Global Top 50 list. Her work at Sappi focuses on sustainability and innovation in the textile industry.
Beauty Mokgwamme, head of the Mohair Empowerment Trust, is deeply passionate about improving the lives of farmers and working with Angora goats. Since joining the Mohair Empowerment Trust in 2018, Mokgwamme has been dedicated to supporting emerging farmers and promoting the mohair industry. Her efforts to assist the farming community underscore her unwavering commitment to her mission.
Rupert Koopman, an award-winning South African botanist and conservation consultant, will also speak at the event. With a background in government and the NGO sector, Koopman is passionate about protecting and appreciating the country’s flora, especially in the fynbos biome. His work raises awareness of South Africa’s botanical wealth and the importance of conservation for future generations.
The event will be hosted by Africa Melane, a prominent South African radio host, who will guide discussions on achieving a sustainable and regenerative future for the textile industry. The program will include panel discussions and presentations on innovative strategies and practices in the textile industry.
In addition to the talks on August 15, attendees can join tours of textile factories and studios on August 16. These tours will provide a behind-the-scenes look at sustainable textile production processes. The event will conclude with a Slow Fashion Festival on August 17 at the V&A Waterfront, featuring a clothes-swapping experience to promote sustainable fashion practices.
Tickets for the Africa Textile Talks are available online, with prices set at R400 for the main event, R250 for the factory tours, and free entry for the Slow Fashion Festival. A R50 fee applies for the clothes-swapping experience. For more information and updates, visit www.twyg.co.za and follow @twygmag on Instagram and Facebook. Media inquiries can be directed to Scout PR & Social Media at maileshi@scoutpr.co.za.
The Africa Textile Talks 2024 promises to be a landmark event in the industry, bringing together diverse voices and perspectives to chart a path towards a more sustainable future for fashion and textiles in Africa.
