Date: 2025-11-12 09:11:09

Durban Designers Shine At Namibia Fashion Week

ETHEKWINI NEWSFLASH

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DURBAN DESIGNERS SHINE AT NAMIBIA FASHION WEEK 

Two Durban-based designers, Zwandi Mathonsi of Zwandyy and Thami Njabulo Ngobeni of Monarch Detailer, proudly represented eThekwini at the 10th edition of the MTC Windhoek Fashion Week, held from 5 to 8 November in Namibia.

This landmark event celebrated a decade of fashion excellence as Namibia’s premier fashion showcase, bringing together leading designers from across Africa.

For Durban, it reaffirmed the City’s commitment to nurturing and promoting local fashion talent internationally through the Municipality’s Fashion Development Programme.

Mathonsi, an established name in the industry and the recently crowned Designer of the Year at the Durban Fashion Fair Recognition Awards, described his participation as an inspiring opportunity to celebrate African creativity on a global platform.

He said the experience provided valuable exposure to new markets and strengthened his brand’s continental footprint. 

“The Namibian audience’s appreciation for my craftsmanship reaffirmed the importance of telling authentic African stories through fashion design,” Mathonsi said.

Ngobeni, a winner of the Best Menswear Designer award at the same event, echoed Mathonsi’s sentiments. 

He praised the collaboration, innovation, and professionalism that characterised the Windhoek showcase.

“Participating in the show reminded me that fashion is not just about clothing, it’s about building bridges between cultures,” he said. 

Ngobeni added that he returned home inspired to expand his menswear line into new African markets.

Councillor Thembo Ntuli, Chairperson of the City’s Economic Development and Planning Committee, congratulated the designers and applauded the milestone.

“This year’s 10th anniversary of the MTC Windhoek Fashion Week was a celebration of resilience, creativity, and cross-border collaboration. Durban continues to play a vital role in shaping Africa’s fashion narrative, and we are proud to see our designers standing shoulder to shoulder with the continent’s finest,” said Councillor Ntuli.

“Our vision is to position Durban as Africa’s leading fashion hub, which is why we continue to create international opportunities for our local designers.”

He added that through initiatives such as the eThekwini Fashion Development Programme, the Municipality remains committed to empowering local talent, creating jobs, and strengthening Durban’s reputation as a centre of creativity and innovation in Africa.

ENDS

Issued by the eThekwini Municipality’s Marketing and Communications Directorate.