The vibrant world of African fashion is set to illuminate the runway as two talented South African designers prepare to showcase their groundbreaking collections at the prestigious MTC Windhoek Fashion Week. This November, Sandile “Duke” Mngadi and Sicelo Dlezi will represent Durban’s burgeoning fashion scene, embodying the city’s commitment to nurturing emerging creative talent.
The upcoming fashion extravaganza, scheduled from November 6 to 9 at Maerua Mall in Namibia, promises to be more than just a typical fashion event. It stands as a powerful platform celebrating African design innovation, offering designers a critical opportunity to expose their work to international audiences and potential industry stakeholders.
Mngadi, the creative director of DUKE Clothe Your Soul, and Dlezi, founder of Yatsar Clothing, are shining examples of the eThekwini Municipality’s dedicated Fashion Development Programme. This transformative initiative has been instrumental in mentoring and empowering local designers, providing them with the skills and exposure needed to compete on a global stage.
For Mngadi, the opportunity represents a pivotal moment in his career. The designer sees his participation as more than a personal achievement, viewing it as an inspirational beacon for young creatives from underserved communities. His presence at Windhoek Fashion Week demonstrates that with support and determination, barriers can be overcome, and dreams can become reality.
Dlezi shares similar excitement, anticipating the chance to network with international buyers, retailers, and media representatives. Her participation represents a potential gateway to exploring new markets and expanding her brand’s horizons beyond local boundaries.
The collaboration between eThekwini Municipality and the Windhoek Fashion Week organisers reflects a strategic vision to position Durban as a significant fashion hub in Africa. This commitment was further solidified in September 2024 with the signing of a memorandum of agreement, officially establishing Windhoek as a sister city to Durban.
The partnership extends beyond a single fashion event, encompassing innovative initiatives like designer and model exchange programmes. These efforts aim to create lasting connections, foster creative collaboration, and showcase the immense talent emerging from African fashion scenes.
As the fashion world turns its gaze to Windhoek, Mngadi and Dlezi stand ready to demonstrate that African design is not just a trend but a powerful, evolving narrative of creativity, resilience, and cultural expression.
The runway awaits and with it, a new chapter in African fashion history.
