Design Week South Africa 2025: Apply Now for Exclusive Showcase
Design Week South Africa, a dynamic celebration of local creativity, returns in 2025, inviting designers, brands, and makers to participate in an inspiring four-day event across Johannesburg and Cape Town. The event will feature immersive showcases, workshops, exhibitions, and more, spotlighting South African innovation in design. Whether in architecture, fashion, or urban planning, creatives from all disciplines are encouraged to apply to join this influential platform.
Launched in 2024 with over 90 captivating activations, Design Week South Africa aims to be a major cultural force, connecting local talent with international exposure. Margot Molyneux, the founder, reflects on the inaugural success, noting the wide participation across 15 design disciplines and media coverage that expanded the reach of the event. "We’re building a future for South African design that fosters inclusivity, collaboration, and growth," Molyneux says.
The 2025 edition will again be curated through four dynamic themes: Space Sharing, Growing Collaboratively, Future Archives, and Game Changing. This creates an exciting opportunity for creatives to showcase work that reflects South Africa’s evolving design landscape while embracing a global perspective.
Event Highlights from 2024:
Africa Chair Exhibition (CPT): Curated by LOOKBOOK Studio and interior architect Marlon James, this exhibition featured chairs from celebrated artists like Andile Dyalvane and Cheick Diallo.
‘Where Art and Design Meet’ Dinner (JHB): A unique supperclub experience by Food, I Love You and Path Nomad, featuring a curated dinner by designer Cassandra Twala and artist Lulama Wolf.
‘The Body and Other Forms’ Showcase (CPT): A striking showcase by ceramicist HAN and fashion designer SELFI that explored the intersection of design and the human form.
Clay, Library, Land Studies (CPT): A collaboration by The MAAK, Zayaan Khan, and Kent Andreassen that combined art, design, and sustainable practices.
Design in Bloom Panel (JHB): A discussion curated by Bloom Org, featuring creatives like Dani Bowler, Lineo Kagole, and Kgomotso Kiggy.
Maxhosa Factory and Studio Tour (JHB): A behind-the-scenes tour of Maxhosa's design process at their Eloff Street studio.
Pedersen + Lennard Factory Tour (CPT): Co-founder Luke Pedersen gave an in-depth tour of the Pedersen + Lennard Maitland factory, showcasing their innovative furniture design.
‘The Eye’ Panel Discussion (JHB): A thought-provoking panel led by Zanele Kumalo and featuring experts like Charl Edwards and Nandi Dlepu, discussing the power of design in shaping the future.
Design Week South Africa’s 2025 edition promises to be even bigger, bringing together designers, innovators, and creatives from all walks of life. Whether you’re a designer, brand, or creative thinker, this is your chance to contribute to a forward-thinking, inclusive, and collaborative event that places South African design on the global stage.
Key Dates for 2025:
Johannesburg: Thursday, October 9 – Sunday, October 12
Cape Town: Thursday, October 23 – Sunday, October 26
How to Apply:
Applications are open now! To participate, visit https://www.designweeksouthafrica.com/application_2025/. Don’t miss your chance to be part of South Africa’s most exciting design event.
Follow @designafricasouthafrica on Instagram for updates and inspiration.