Cape Town - The fourth Source Africa Trade Show attracted 220 exhibitors from 15 African countries and 1 300 potential buyers this year.
The two-day trade show at the Cape Town International Convention Centre this week promoted African-made textiles, garments, footwear and fashion accessories to international and African buyers.
The trade show also encouraged African buyers and manufacturers to do business with each other and capitalise on tariff advantages.
Last year’s show featured 226 exhibitors from 15 countries.
William Scalco of the event’s organisers LTE South Africa said African themes, fabrics and crafts were very popular in the rest of the world because they were so unique.
“Many of the exhibitors have returned since we started four years ago. With 40 stands, Mauritius is one of the countries with the most stands.”
Winnie Maluleke was one of the designers who attended this year’s trade show to exhibit her up-cycle fashion made from old T-shirts and factory off-cuts.
Her ‘Viola Feel Beautiful’ range includes scarves, spine dresses and jewellery.
The former auditor started her own clothing business in 2014 and hasn’t looked back. For Maluleke her business’ main purpose is to empower young girls and women.
She uses the profit made in the business to buy re-usable sanitary towels for girls in poorer communities.
“I want to empower young girls to realise their inner beauty and strength. Those who are not educated will more likely become pregnant at a young age.
Too many girls drop out of school because they cannot afford to buy sanitary towels,” said Maluleke.
Besides using her company’s profit to donate sanitary towels, Maluleke also employs 20 women on a temporary basis when she has big orders.“One of the reasons I came to the Trade Show is to attract more buyers.
“I will then be able to employ more women on a permanent basis.”
Read also: 'Illegal' strategy hits textile workers
The South African Clothing and Textile Workers Union research director Etienne Vlok said the trade show gave local manufacturers the opportunity to showcase the high quality of production.
“Going forward, these buyers can help create local jobs. We have seen an increase in local exhibitors participating in the trade show compared to the past.
“This is good for our export industry.”
CAPE TIMES