South Africa Design Week Unveiling with Founder Margot Molyneux

The event will take place in two key cities: Johannesburg from October 10-13 and Cape Town from October 24-27, 2024. The platform aims to highlight innovation and collaboration across design disciplines such as architecture, fashion and urban planning.

We talk to Margot Molyneux, founder of Design Week South Africa, to find out more…

What inspired the creation of Design Week South Africa? How do you imagine its impact on the local design community?

As more and more design weeks have emerged in major cities around the world over the past few decades, with Milan’s Fuorisalone being one of the oldest and most famous, we aim to influence some of the positive outcomes of these events in Johannesburg and Cape Town.

By offering design enthusiasts, students, professionals and the general public the opportunity to inspire, be inspired and showcase, we hope to help increase local recognition of our design sectors, as well as boost the creative economies of both cities.

How does Design Week South Africa support emerging designers and local talent?

By creating a platform where design is in the spotlight for several days in every city, Design Week South Africa, powered by Yoco, increases visibility and therefore focuses on the importance of local design sectors.

By showcasing existing and new work, the next generation of creatives have the opportunity to be inspired to pursue a career in one of the many local design sectors.

What role do you think events like this play in shaping the future of South Africa’s creative economy?

We believe that by increasing awareness and accessibility of our amazing local design sectors, there will be increased recognition of local talent and skills, both in our local and international markets.

What challenges did you face in preparing such a multidisciplinary event, and how did you overcome them?

As this is its inaugural year, I have no doubt that the most important lessons still lie ahead as we enter the first iteration, which will take place in Johanneburg from October 10-13.

Tell us how the collaboration with Yoco came about?

Yoco has made its mission clear when it comes to serving, supporting and sponsoring the design sectors in the country. Seeing this forward thinking and the positive impacts that result from it, the company became the first choice for partnership at Design Week South Africa.

What is Yoco doing to empower people working in the creative economy?

Yoco works hard to create a community around and empower the small businesses it serves. By uplifting and supporting our country’s entrepreneurs, they ensure both job creation and the development of our local creative economy.

What can Design Week South Africa guests expect?

We organize amazing product and collection launches, exclusive workshops and studio openings, discussions and exhibitions, as well as tours and collaborations. All this takes place in both cities and spans different districts, design disciplines and creators.

More information about Design Week South Africa can be found here.