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Gauteng to use Durban July to consolidate its position as the country's fashion hub
3 July 2008
The Gauteng Economic Development Agency (GEDA), working together with provincial Department of Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation, and the soon to be established Gauteng Fashion Council and Gauteng Tourism Authority, will on Saturday, 5 July 2008, take part in the annual Durban July handicap.
The event will be a platform for Gauteng as the country's creative hub to showcase the province's cultural and creative abilities in the fashion and creative arts industry.
With the adoption of the creative industries as a critical component of economic development and growth, GEDA, working with industry partners, is moving with full speed to integrate this sector into the mainstream economic sectors as is the case in major competitive city regions across the world.
"There is absolutely no reason why Gauteng cannot take on Paris and New York in the fashion industry contest. We house top designers ranging from young and vibrant kasi feel to business and elegant designers across colour lines," said GEDA Acting Chief Executive Ms Welile Maleka.
In the past this was a field mainly entertained by the private sector and selected individuals. But now economic development players, especially governments, have realised the sector's full potential and ability to engender a different perspective and it is now an integral part of our work moving forward.
To develop further insight into the industry, we are working with Gauteng based Mzansi designers in showcasing some of their latest products made in Gauteng. Films made in the province like Bunny Chow, Tsotsi and Mapantsula will also be screened at the GEDA marquee.
For more information:
Barba Gaoganediwe
Cell: 083 446 7844
Tel: 011 833 8750
Issued by: Department of Finance and Economic Development, Gauteng Provincial Government
3 July 2008
Source: Gauteng Provincial Government (http://www.gpg.gov.za)