South African fashion leaders have banded together to combat the rising threat of illicit trade, which jeopardises local businesses and jobs.
Highlighting the urgent need for collective action, the industry stalwarts have articulated the dire effects of counterfeit goods and illegal imports, which they reveal threaten the very livelihoods of local entrepreneurs, designers, and workers.
In a recent march, a key feature of the Buy Local Summit & Expo 2025 was a rallying call for consumers, retailers, and policymakers to prioritise locally made goods and protect jobs within the sector.
During the demonstration on Tuesday March 18, two memoranda were delivered: one to the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC) and another to the National Clothing Retail Federation (NCRF).
It is explained that these documents highlighted the effects of illicit trade and urged authorities to increase efforts to combat counterfeiting and related issues.
The march followed an engaging panel discussion, “Timeless Threads – The Evolution of South African Fashion”, moderated by Ouma Tema, founder of Plus Fab.
The panel featured industry icons such as Mzukisi Mbane, Palesa Mokubung, David Tlale, Otsile Sefolo, Vanya Mangaliso, and Craig Jacobs, who engaged in a deep analysis of the local fashion landscape, reflecting on its evolution while shedding light on the overwhelming challenges posed by illicit trade.
Eustace Mashimbye, CEO of Proudly South African, elaborated on the extensive implications of illicit trade, stating that it has far-reaching consequences on economic stability.
According to the South African Revenue Service (SARS), the nation loses R100 billion each year due to illicit trade, translating to approximately R250 million in daily revenue losses, around 1% of the country's GDP.
Mashimbye stressed: “The impact of illicit trade is not only limited to the fashion industry, as numerous studies have linked it to other nefarious activities such as money laundering and human trafficking. We take the issue of illicit trade very seriously.
“This is the reason why the issue was under the spotlight at the Buy Local Summit and Expo, where we assembled stakeholders, regulators, and representatives from various industries affected by illicit trade to discuss and explore practical strategies to bolster our fight against these illegal practices.”
Acclaimed designer Tlale voiced a passionate appeal for action, saying: “We need to reignite the clothing and textile industry. It’s not just about government intervention; it’s about private sector players, manufacturers, retailers, and the public coming together. When you buy local, you create local jobs, support local families, and contribute to economic growth. Being proudly South African isn’t just a slogan; it’s a solution to unemployment, poverty, and economic strife."
Supporting this narrative, Happy Ngidi, Chief Marketing Officer of Proudly South African, emphasised the crippling effects of illicit trade on the nation's progress.
“Every counterfeit or illegally imported garment sold is a missed opportunity for a local business to thrive. Our message is simple: ‘Buy Local to Create More Jobs.’ We urge consumers to be mindful of their purchasing power; it has the potential to sustain and grow our economy,” Ngidi remarked, highlighting the critical role of consumer choices in sustaining the local economy.
Saturday Star