WORDS Gina Dionisio PHOTOS Supplied
A host of dynamic speakers from across the continent are heading to the Africa Textile Talks 2024 taking place from 15-17 August at the V&A Waterfront.
Leading figures from the African fashion and textile industry are set to present at African Textile Talks 2024 in Cape Town, hosted by Twyg and Imiloa Collective. The talks will focus on overcoming the challenges of transitioning the textile industry to a sustainable, post-fossil fuel future.
South African industry experts presenting alongside the cohort of international speakers include Ayanda Bam, Lindsay Humphreys, Krelyne Andrew, Beauty Mokgwamme, Rupert Koopman, Caroline Nelson and Deon Saayman.
With over 15 years of experience, Ayanda Bam, a hemp expert and visionary leader in the textile industry, is known for his commitment to sustainability and innovation. As the co-founder and CEO of TexTTan Industries, the business leader for the National Cannabis Masterplan for South Africa, the President of the Friends of Hemp South Africa (FoHSA) advocacy group, and the founding member of the Federation of Industrial Hemp Organisations (FIHO), Ayanda has been instrumental in the development of eco-friendly and ethically sourced textiles.
In a panel discussion, Lindsay Humphreys from Rethink Lab, Simphiwe Fani, an angora goat farmer and H&M South Africa CEO Caroline Nelson will delve into the topic of regenerative farming. With 15 years of experience, Lindsay has become a leader in sustainability, particularly in the intersection of agriculture and fashion. A former General Manager at Mohair South Africa and the Sustainability Manager at BKB, she now fills the role of CEO and founder of The Rethink Lab, a company pioneering innovative strategies to promote sustainable practices within the natural fibre industry in South Africa.
Deon Saayman, CEO of Cape Wools SA, is a seasoned figure driving sustainable change in the textile industry. In 2009 he launched the Mohair Industry’s Sustainable Guidelines. In July 2020, when Saayman was General Manager for Cape Wools SA, the company launched the Sustainable Cape Wool Standard (SCWS).
Krelyne Andrew, the head of Sappi’s dissolving pulp product, Verve, and a member of the company’s Group Sustainability and Global Technology Management Teams, is a multi-award-winning sustainability expert.
A dedicated advocate for the mohair Industry who is deeply passionate about improving the lives of farmers and working with Angora goats, Beauty Mokgwamme joined the Mohair Empowerment Trust in 2018 – which she now heads – when she realised her ambition to support emerging farmers.
With a background in government and the NGO sector, award-winning South African botanist and conservation consultant Rupert Koopman is passionate about the protection and appreciation of the country’s flora now and for the future – especially in the fynbos biome – and raising awareness of our botanical wealth.
International speakers include:
- Representing Ghanian nonprofit The Or Foundation – which works at the intersection of environmental justice, education and fashion development – will be Sammy Oteng, a Nigerian fashion designer, activist and Community Engagement Manager of the foundation’s No More Fast Fashion Lab.
- Keynote speaker Nkwo Onwuka, founder and Director of NKWO, has emerged as one of Africa’s leading fashion designers and a champion of sustainable fashion globally.
- Nigerian Muktar Dodo, the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) representative for Africa, is dedicated to promoting organic and sustainable textile practices across the continent.
- Josephine Musaka and Pamela Kyagera are leaders in the field of textiles, craft, and culture in Uganda and the founding partners of Mekeka Design, a collaborative studio in Kampala.
- After more than 10 years of living and working in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire and Dakar, Senegal, artist and textile designer Johanna Bramble has embraced the rich weaving traditions of the region along with modern features.
Together, these speakers will enlighten the Africa Textile Talks 2024 audience with the way forward into a positive post-fossil fuel future. Partners and supporters of this year’s talks include Sappi, Polo South Africa, V&A Waterfront, Cape Wools SA, Mohair South Africa, H&M, Merchants on Long, Hemporium and Global Organic Textile Standard. For the full line-up and programme, visit twyg.co.za.
Africa Textile Talks 2024 Dates
- 15 August 2024: Africa Textile Talks at Workshop17, Watershed, V&A Waterfront
- 16 August 2024: Tours of textile factory and studios
- 17 August 2024: Slow Fashion Festival with V&A Watershed and 44 Stanley, V&A Waterfront, 10h00 to 14h00
Tickets: Full price: Africa Textile Talks: R400 and Slow Fashion Festival: Free
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