The 2024 edition of the African Textile Talks, presented by Twyg and Imiloa Collective, will gather an impressive lineup of leading figures in the fashion and textile industry in South Africa. This annual event, which examines the intersection of fashion, textiles, and sustainability, will feature prominent speakers such as Nkwo Onwuka, Josephine Musaka, Pamela Kyagera, Sammy Oteng, Muktar Dodo, Johanna Bramble, and others.
On Thursday, 15 August 2024, these Pan-African makers and thinkers will address the challenges and opportunities of advancing the textile industry into a sustainable, post-fossil fuel future. The event will take place at Workshop17, Watershed, V&A Waterfront in Cape Town.
Keynote Speakers and Participants
Nkwo Onwuka: Founder and Director of NKWO, a leading Nigerian fashion designer known for her commitment to sustainable fashion. Through her brand, she collaborates with regional artists and communities to preserve cultural heritage and promote innovative techniques that reduce textile waste.
Josephine Musaka and Pamela Kyagera: Founding partners of Mekeka Design, a collaborative studio in Kampala, Uganda. Musaka is an expert on Ugandan crafts and owner of AKA Gallery, while Kyagera brings extensive experience in the crafts sector, supporting artisans with her marketing and business expertise.
Sammy Oteng: Community Engagement Manager of The Or Foundation’s No More Fast Fashion Lab. Oteng’s work involves repurposing secondhand clothing and addressing socio-political issues, neo-colonialism, sexuality, and gender fluidity. He focuses on developing circular product design, waste management solutions, and skills training.
Muktar Dodo: Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) representative for Africa, dedicated to promoting organic and sustainable textile practices across the continent. Dodo facilitates collaborations between stakeholders to ensure environmentally friendly and socially responsible manufacturing processes.
Johanna Bramble: An artist and textile designer based in West Africa, Bramble incorporates modern features into traditional weaving techniques, creating unique pieces of textile art.
South African Industry Experts
Local experts joining the international visitors include:
- Ayanda Bam: A hemp expert and visionary leader in the textile industry, known for his commitment to sustainability and innovation.
- Lindsay Humphreys: CEO and founder of The Rethink Lab, a leader in sustainability within the natural fibre industry.
- Simphiwe Fani: An angora goat farmer dedicated to sustainable farming practices.
- Caroline Nelson: CEO of H&M South Africa, leading sustainability initiatives within the local brand.
- Deon Saayman: CEO of Cape Wools SA, driving sustainable change in the textile industry.
- Krelyne Andrew: Head of Sappi’s dissolving pulp product, Verve, and a multi-award-winning sustainability expert.
- Beauty Mokgwamme: Head of the Mohair Empowerment Trust, promoting the mohair industry and supporting emerging farmers.
- Rupert Koopman: Award-winning South African botanist and conservation consultant, passionate about protecting the country’s flora.
Event Highlights
Master of Ceremonies Africa Melane, host of the Early Breakfast show on CapeTalk and 702, will lead the event. The discussions will focus on envisioning a future that is sustainable and regenerative for people, businesses, the industry, and the planet.
The event’s program includes:
- 15 August 2024: Africa Textile Talks at Workshop17, Watershed, V&A Waterfront
- 16 August 2024: Tours of textile factories and studios
- 17 August 2024: Slow Fashion Festival at V&A Waterfront, featuring a clothes-swapping experience
Tickets and Information
- Africa Textile Talks: R400
- Tour of textile factory and studios: R250
- Slow Fashion Festival: Free (R50 for clothes-swapping experience)
Tickets are available online at Quicket. For more information, visit Twyg and follow @twygmag on Instagram and Facebook.
This year’s talks are supported by Sappi, Polo South Africa, V&A Waterfront, Cape Wools SA, Mohair South Africa, H&M, Merchants on Long, Hemporium, and Global Organic Textile Standard.
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