Summer is here in South Africa, but fashion designers are already thinking about winter. This month, South African Fashion Week (SAFW) is coming up, and designers are excited to show their new collections for Autumn/Winter 2025. The event will take place from September 26 to 28 at Melrose Arch in Johannesburg.
Now in its 27th year, SAFW remains an important event for fashion. It gives designers, both new and experienced, a chance to share their work with fashion lovers, buyers, and the media. This year, there will be 13 shows and 40 collections over three days.
A special highlight this year is the appearance of Palesa Mokubung, the creative mind behind the Mantsho brand. Mokubung is celebrating 20 years in the fashion industry, a remarkable milestone that shows her dedication and talent.
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Mokubung is known for her bright colours and patterns and is a proud symbol of African luxury. As she prepares for the SAFW showcase, she looks forward to presenting a collection that reflects the heart and soul of her brand. “There’s a little bit of everything for all the different Mantsho girls,” she shares. Her collection will include both high fashion and ready-to-wear items.
Reflecting on her career, Palesa expresses excitement but also a bit of surprise at reaching this milestone. “I’m in shock, to be honest,” she says. “It’s only now that I can see that longevity is possible.” Her brand, Mantsho, has lasted due to her hard work, dedication, and the sacrifices she has made.
One major achievement in Palesa’s career was her partnership with H&M. She became the first South African designer to collaborate with the global fashion brand, which helped raise her profile and changed how African fashion is viewed around the world.
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Mokubung is also focused on sustainability. She now creates her own fabrics and uses 100% cotton and other eco-friendly materials. This shows her care for the environment and understanding of her market. “I’ve become a better designer. I understand my market better,” she explains.
As she celebrates her 20th anniversary, Mokubung feels proud of the impact she has made. “I’ve given South African fashion a voice and identity,” she reflects, showing how much she values her contribution to the industry.
