The south African Government, through their consulate general in Milan this year demonstrated its resolve to resuscitate its Fashion and textile industry when it sponsored 24 fashion designer at the prestigious Torino Fashion Week held in Torino between the 27th of June and the 3rd of July that culminated with conference entitled “emerging designers reviving South Africa’s textile industry” which was held at the Sella di Centro Congressi “Torino Incontra” conference hall. Speaking at the conference, Mr Andrew Adams, the South African Political Con- sul who was representing the Consul General Ms. TSD Nxumalo, reiterated the commitment of the South African government to enhance its participation in the global arena in order to give their Fashion designers the opportunity to find new markets for their brands, expose their talent, meet potential partners and improve their skills. He emphasized the role of South Africa not only as a hub but a gateway to Africa given its preparedness in terms of its brilliant infrastructure, operative institutional systems and progres- sive business friendly government policies.
Also present at the event was the CEO of Small Enterprise Development Agency (SEDA), Ms. Mandisa Tshikwatamba who gave a detailed pres- entation on the intermediary role played by the Agency in supporting the small enterprises in or- der to assist in their development.
The Torino Fashion week which is currently in its third year after inception by its founder Mr. Clau- dio Azzolini, attracted fashion designers from all around the world with participants coming from as far as China , Middle East, East Asia and Africa and Europe. The event is expected to attract even more participants next year making it the single most diverse Fashion event in Italy so far.
