The judges for the 2025 edition of the Local Fashion Police are Tshepo Mohlala, founder of Tshepo Jeans, Asanda Madyibi, The Khosi Nkosi fashion house, co-founded by Nobukhosi “Khosi” Mukwevho and Thabo Mukwevho; Londeka Buthelezi Ndaba, founder of Malondie, Stephen Van Eeden of Stephen Van Eeden Atelier, Thandazani Nofingxana of ABANTU in AFRICA; and Prince & Warren Meko, also known as the Meko twins, who are the founders of the brand MADONSELA.

The reward is R50 000 worth in local fashion and the chance to walk the runway in an original design from one of the 7 local brands that are part of the campaign. This means that there will be 7 winners this year. Bigger and better than the previous years.

They are determined to spot those who proudly wear and support South African designs. Once they identify their targets, these trendsetters will be named the 2025 Local Fashion lovers and supporters. These judges are known for their creativity and passion for promoting local talent. They will play a key role in selecting the most promising individuals who truly represent the Proudly South African spirit. With their diverse experiences, this year’s competition is poised not only to showcase the best locally but also to encourage creativity and highlight the importance of supporting locally made clothing.

The Chief Marketing Officer of Proudly SA, Happy MaKhumalo Ngidi, shared her enthusiasm, stating, “We’re thrilled to kick off the fifth instalment of this initiative, the brainchild of our organisation, to keep pushing boundaries and tackle our localisation agenda using different platforms. At Proudly SA, we take pride in creating platforms that empower each sector to flourish, offering a unique opportunity for direct engagement between brands and their consumers. The Local Fashion Police campaign doesn’t just spotlight fashion; it also holds consumers accountable for how they spend their Rand, encouraging them to consciously choose locally made garments in their everyday lives”.

Supporting local fashion companies is important. The Retail, Clothing, Textile, Footwear, and Leather (R-CTFL) industries benefit from increased employment, economic growth, and value chain strengthening. Buying locally produced goods supports South African producers and designers. This backing is essential to the industry’s continued expansion and ability to offer numerous South Africans opportunities. It also helps to boost the nation’s overall economic growth and cultivates pride in natural talent.

Proudly SA’s Chief Marketing Officer, Happy MaKhumalo Ngidi, outlines the campaign’s objective: “We want to encourage people to spend their money on handmade clothing.” Our economy is strengthened, and our designers benefit.

African Bank’s Chief Marketing Officer, Sbusiso Kumalo, emphasises the value of buying local.  “The success of local companies in our country is important to achieving sustainable economic growth. SMMEs are essential to job creation since they make a substantial contribution to the nation’s economic growth. Being a part of the Proudly South African Local Fashion Police project reflects our efforts to invest in and develop the local fashion industry, as we recognise the vital role these businesses play in our economy,” he said.

The judges, African Bank, and Proudly SA are looking for four winners, each of whom has the opportunity to receive R50,000 worth of clothing from a Local Fashion Police judge. The designer who selects each winner will get the reward money immediately, promoting their brand. In keeping with the campaign’s objective of promoting and supporting local talent, winners will get R50,000 worth of custom-made apparel in exchange.

Through a series of investigations, the judges will assess participants, emphasising originality, design, and craftsmanship. The winners will have the amazing opportunity to walk the runway in creations created by the top judges at the competition’s spectacular fashion show finale.

For more information, please visit Proudly SA