On March 17, 2025, South African fashion designers united in Sandton for the “Take A Stand March,” a protest against the proliferation of counterfeit goods in the fashion industry. This demonstration, organized by Proudly South Africa, coincided with the Buy Local Summit & Expo held at the Sandton Convention Centre.
Renowned designers, including David Tlale, Palesa Mokubung of Mantsho, and Mzukisi Mbane, led the march, emphasizing the detrimental impact of counterfeit products on the local fashion sector. They highlighted how these illicit goods undermine authentic South African designs, resulting in significant financial losses and job cuts within the industry.
The protest aimed to raise public awareness about the importance of supporting genuine local products and to urge authorities to intensify efforts against the counterfeit trade. Designers and participants carried placards and engaged with the community, advocating for ethical fashion consumption and the protection of intellectual property rights.
This collective action underscores the broader challenges faced by South African designers in preserving the integrity of their creations amidst the rising tide of counterfeit goods. It also reflects a growing movement within the country’s creative industries to safeguard their work and promote sustainable, locally-produced fashion.
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