Newsletter No 24 /4 July 2025
Click on any ad to go to the advertisers website
To agents, manufacturers, distributors & wholesalers. Please upgrade your 1 line listing to a business listing at least. The Sourcing Directory and Newsletter is dependent on industry support and your business listing offers potential clients more information about your company, products, branches, agents etc.
The cost of a business listing for the entire year is only R1400.
To add a logo is an additional R440. carla@newsbriefs.co.za
Allfashion Sourcing 8 to 10 July 2025: Where African Fashion Takes the Global Stage
Cape Town is about to become the heartbeat of fashion innovation as Allfashion Sourcing 2025 makes its much-anticipated return to the CTICC. More than just a sourcing event, this year’s edition is a bold celebration of creativity, sustainability, and next-gen talent—ready to disrupt the global fashion narrative.
From the moment the doors open, attendees can expect non-stop inspiration and a show experience like never before. One of the most exciting program highlights this year is the launch of the first-ever AFS Range—a game-changing initiative that will set the tone for African fashion’s global ascent. Designed in collaboration with top local talent and guided by the latest market trends, the AFS Range is not just a collection—it’s a statement. Expect bold silhouettes, sustainable fabrics, and boundary-pushing designs that speak to the future of fashion, right here from the continent.
But that’s just the beginning.
The Young Designer Competition returns with more fire than ever. Known for uncovering Africa’s hottest new talent, this competition is where dreams are made—and launched. Finalists will battle it out on the runway in front of industry giants, media, buyers, and trend forecasters, all vying for a chance to be the next big name in fashion. For attendees, it’s an exclusive first look at the rising stars who will shape the industry in years to come.
Allfashion Sourcing 2025 also boasts a power-packed programme of trend talks, masterclasses, and panel discussions featuring global fashion changemakers. From deep dives into circular fashion and supply chain transparency to cutting-edge tech innovations and sustainability breakthroughs, the knowledge-sharing on offer is unmatched.
And let’s talk about the sourcing floor—it’s going to be electric. With curated exhibitors from South Africa, the wider African continent, and beyond, buyers will discover a marketplace brimming with innovation, quality, and conscious production. Whether you’re looking for ethically made textiles, high-end finished garments, or unique design collaborations, AFS is the place to find your next big opportunity.
For brands, manufacturers, and creatives alike, Allfashion Sourcing 2025 is not just an event—it’s a movement. It’s where ideas become partnerships, where talent meets opportunity, and where Africa’s fashion future is being written in real time.
Get ready to experience fashion with purpose, power, and passion. With the debut of the AFS Range, the return of the Young Designer Competition, and a full slate of exciting program highlights, this year’s Allfashion Sourcing is the most dynamic yet.
Cape Town is calling. Are you ready to answer?
Fake luxury goods worth over R19 million seized
By Nozibusiso Mazibuko
Fake luxury goods. Image: Supplied
Police confiscated fake luxury goods worth over R19 million and arrested six foreign nationals during anti-counterfeit raids
South African police have confiscated fake luxury goods valued at over R19 million during a coordinated crackdown on illegal trade in Bloemfontein’s central business district this week. Six foreign nationals were arrested during the two-day operation.
Who led the operation to target luxury fake goods?
The takedown operations, led by the South African Police Service’s (SAPS) National Counterfeit Goods Unit, targeted several shops in Bloemfontein. Police officers were supported by Public Order Policing, South African Revenue Service (SARS) Customs officials, brand protectors, and private security teams.
The team executed search, and seizure warrants under the Customs and Excise Act, recovering over 13 000 counterfeit items, including designer clothes, handbags, shoes, and jewellery.
“The majority of the seized items are imitations of high-end luxury brands,” said the SAPS.
Arrests Linked to Immigration Violations
Six foreign nationals were arrested for contravening the Immigration Act during the raids. One of them faces an additional charge for resisting arrest. Police did not release the nationalities of the suspects.
The arrested individuals will be processed according to immigration and criminal procedures. SAPS confirmed ongoing investigations may lead to further action, particularly if links to other criminal networks are uncovered.
Protecting Economy and Consumers
Police say these operations form part of a strategy to combat illicit trade in South Africa.
“The SAPS remains committed to disrupting and dismantling the illegal trade in counterfeit and illicit goods in order to protect consumers, safeguard legitimate businesses, and support the South African economy,” the statement read.
Counterfeit goods pose a risk to consumers, erode the profits of lawful businesses, and contribute to the loss of tax revenue.
South Africa deepens global trade ties through landmark AEO agreements with USA, India and UK.
2 July 2025, Brussels — This past week, the South African Revenue Service (SARS) marked a historic milestone in Brussels with the signing of three Mutual Recognition Arrangements (MRAs) for its Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) Programme. SARS is partnering with the United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the United Kingdom’s His Majesty’s Revenue & Customs (HMRC), and India’s Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC). In addition, SARS undertook a Memorandum of Understanding with the Customs & Excise department of Hong Kong, China, regarding cooperation and mutual administrative assistance in Customs matters. SARS also concluded a cooperation agreement with the Xiamen District of the General Administration of China Customs.
SARS also engaged in follow-up conversations with the Canada Border Services Agency, (CBSA) concluding the exploration of mutual recognition for AEO. SARS engaged the Federal Customs Service (FCS) of Russia to explore cooperation and mutual administrative assistance in Customs matters and mutual recognition for AEO.
MRA negotiation is a multi-phase undertaking that demands operational trust and verified equivalence in programmes and procedure. It is not about blanket acceptance but ensuring that one country can confidently rely on another’s AEO validations and customs processes without compromising security or compliance integrity. Once signed, MRAs require ongoing cooperation, system interoperability, and joint reviews to maintain their effectiveness.
These events are not just diplomatic achievements; they are the culmination of more than five years of sustained technical engagement, policy alignment, and trust-building. The journey to mutual recognition is a rigorous one, involving detailed assessments of each country’s customs-compliance frameworks, validation procedures, and risk-management systems. The fact that SARS has successfully concluded MRAs with three of the world’s major trading nations is a powerful testament to the maturity, credibility, and international standing of South Africa’s AEO programme.
Through these MRA agreements, SARS and its MRA partners have committed to recognising each other’s AEOs, enabling accredited traders to benefit from faster customs clearance, reduced inspections, and lower administrative burdens. These facilitation benefits will apply to trade between South Africa and the US, UK, and India — countries that together account for approximately $37–40 billion in trade with South Africa (per SARS Trade Statistics data for 2024).
Notably, South Africa has become the first country on the African continent to achieve an MRA with the United States under its Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (CTPAT) program — a milestone that underscores both operational excellence and international trust. CTPAT is widely regarded as one of the most mature, influential, and operationally demanding supply-chain security partnership programmes globally. Its design has shaped many AEO programmes around the world. While the World Customs Organization’s SAFE Framework of Standards to Secure and Facilitate Global Trade remains the overarching international blueprint for AEO programmes, CTPAT stands as the de facto global benchmark for operational rigour, security validation, and customs-to-customs trust. The United States maintains exceptionally high standards for MRAs, making this achievement both rare and hard-earned.
These new MRAs reflect SARS’s commitment to building a trusted global network of trade partners, one that balances facilitation with security, and innovation with integrity. As the global trade landscape evolves, South Africa is not just adapting; it is helping to shape the future of customs cooperation and supply-chain security on the African continent and beyond.
Since its launch in November 2020, the SARS AEO programme, which is fully aligned to SAFE, has enjoyed unprecedented uptake. These achievements reflect SARS’s commitment to trade facilitation, stakeholder satisfaction, and sustainable compliance. Importantly, AEOs now benefit from compelling reciprocal advantages through our MRA partners. It’s become a cornerstone of SARS’s strategy to promote voluntary compliance and optimise resource allocation across the customs landscape. As of 31 May 2025, SARS has accredited 831 AEOs in South Africa.
This significantly enhances the competitiveness of local exporters that choose to join SARS’s AEO Programme, benefiting from SARS’s network of MRAs now extending to China, Hong Kong, India, SACU (Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho and Namibia), Uganda, the UK, the US, and Zambia. With these MRAs in place, SARS now has mutual-recognition coverage for nearly 46% of South Africa’s export destinations by value, significantly enhancing the competitiveness of local exporters.
“This achievement is not only a win for SARS, but a win for South Africa’s economy and our position in the global trade ecosystem”, said SARS Commissioner and the WCO Council Chairperson Edward Kieswetter. “Securing MRAs with three major trading partners — including the United States, the United Kingdom, and India — demonstrates the growing trust in South Africa’s tax and customs systems and our commitment to enabling legitimate trade while safeguarding our borders”. The Commissioner noted that the MRAs “also reflect the principles at the heart of the WCO SAFE Framework: collaboration, risk management, and shared responsibility for secure and efficient global supply chains. As the first country in Africa to sign an MRA with the United States, we are proud to lead the way for the continent in deepening trade facilitation and security cooperation with the world’s largest economy”.
For further information, please contact SARSMedia@sars.gov.za
Anna Wintour ‘steps down’ as EIC at US Vogue
Anna Winter with her team. Source: Conde Naste.
Anna Wintour, a towering figure in global fashion, is looking to appoint a new head of editorial content at American Vogue, which she has led for the past 37 years.
Wintour, 75, shared the news during a staff meeting on Thursday. The move doesn’t signal her departure—it marks a step up, as she transitions into an even more elevated role within the brand.
While Wintour will continue in her roles as chief content officer for Condé Nast—overseeing editorial for brands including WIRED, Vanity Fair, GQ, AD, Condé Nast Traveler, Glamour, Bon Appétit, Tatler, World of Interiors, Allure, Teen Vogue, Ars Technica, and Them globally—as well as global editorial director for Vogue, Vogue US’s new head of editorial content will lead the magazine’s daily operations across platforms.
The person who fills that role will report directly to Wintour, in keeping with the heads of editorial content at all Vogues.
Classifieds:-
Enin cc 083 600 4293
We are seeking experienced and passionate agents to represent our high-quality denim/twill fabrics in key markets across Africa.
Wardrobe Malfunctions
At the 2020 Oscars, Beanie Feldstein accidentally broke her Miu Miu dress. She told W Magazine, “I was wearing a stunning dress that had a halter clasp at the neck. The gown had boning and a sort of shelf for the bust, but there was no bra involved. I’m all about representation, and I’m here to represent big, low-hanging Jewish breasts. The halter on the dress was struggling. It was hanging on for dear life. There was a countdown clock backstage, and there was a minute and 20 seconds left before I had to go on in front of an audience of millions.”
“Next to me was the wall of Oscar statues that they were about to hand out to incredible people. I was nervous and accidentally stepped on the front hem of my dress, and with that step, the clasp gave way. At that point, there was 18 seconds to go. Luckily, someone backstage had a safety pin and reclasped me, but I almost flashed the entire world that night. The moral of this story is, I’m a busty, low-hanging Jewish girl, and you have to be who you are. Which means no more halters,” she said.
Editorial Submission:
Please remember to send me your news so that we can share it with all our readers in the weekly newsletter. Although editorial is neither guaranteed nor implied, suitable editorial for consideration may be submitted to:-
Newsletter No.01 20 January 2017 Wishing all readers and very Happy 2017! Click on any ad to go to the advertisers website…
TFG shares shoot up as retailer provides a rare bright spot in the sector. TFG’s share price shot up more than 6% in midday trade on Monday after the retailer said its Christmas sales exceeded expectation.  Picture: Sunday Times Source DBpro
Edcon gets buy-in for new company By Colleen Goko It was a busy end to 2016 for Edcon as the retailer cleared what CEO Bernie Brookes called “the last hurdle” in a deal that will see the group come under its creditors’ ownership. In mid-December, SA’s largest clothing retailer launched a compromise sanction process for the proposed restructuring of the group. Days before New Year, 95.45% of Edcon’s senior secured creditors and 84.18% of super senior third-ranking creditors voted to adopt compromise proposals.
Fast fashion has become trend today: Study
Consumers today treat lowest-priced garments as nearly disposable, and are discarding them after just seven or eight wears, according to a recent study. In fact, consumers now keep clothing items of every category only about half as long as they did 15 years ago, indicating that fast fashion has become the trend. This has led to huge rise in apparel sales. The clothing production has doubled from 2000 to 2014 and the number of garments purchased each year by the average consumer has increased by 60 per cent. The production of garments exceeded 100 billion for the first time in 2014—this means on an average, 14 clothing items per person on the earth, says the study carried out by McKinsey & Co. In five large developing countries—Brazil, China, India, Mexico, and Russia—apparel sales grew eight times faster than in Canada, Germany, the UK and the US since 2000, according to the McKinsey & Co website. There are numerous reasons for drastic increase in sale of clothing items in recent years. Industries are cutting costs and streamlined their supply chain to increase business. The outcome is that the price of clothing has fallen relatively to the price of consumer goods. The sales have increased overlooking the effect on environment while producing apparel. However, clothing companies have been unable to match their sales gains with commensurate improvement in environment. The study highlights that innovation in the way clothes are made has not kept pace with the acceleration of how they are designed and marketed. It has become difficult to match the increasing demand of the consumers for clothing items in all apparel categories. The productivity can be improved by focusing on resolving issues such as labour conditions, wages, effect on environment and safety measures among others. Fibre2Fashion Veens Clothing unveils ‘Creative Man’ 2017 Collection featuring Viktoh YBNL
Nigerian designer, Veens Clothing has again raised the bar of casual native dresses in the fashion industry with these exciting and amazing new collections tagged “Creative man” which features YBNL record label star, Viktoh. Veens, the co-costumier for the 2011 Face of Sleek Pageant, and a designer for quite a number of Nigerian Artistes alongside top-notch corporate workers, has remained a force to be reckoned with in the industry when it comes to creativity in fashion. The creative director, Vincent Osaromeh has been resilient and consistent over the years to scaling through the hurdles of breaking into the world fashion market and setting trends for others to follow, thereby making Veens Clothing a precedence and the hub of all designers. Veens Clothing has lot of branded fashion products in stock like the Veens casual shirts, corporate suits, gowns, Agbada wears, and other peculiar music video artistic designs and the collections are now the most sought-after in Nigeria, UK, and the U.S These series of designs called ‘The Creative Man’ collection are definitely the trend for 2017. My Newsroom Classified Ads:- “Fully equipped universal Clothing factory in Johannesburg for sale. Owner retiring. Contact Gordon@bbbrokers.co.za 0824126469”.
Platform shoes are nothing new: Chopines, which were popular across Europe and Asia since the 16th century, were outrageous platform shoes that offered a platform of anywhere from 6 to 24 inches. They were the predecessor to the modern-day high heel. Greek prostitutes had sayings etched into the bottoms of their shoes like “follow me” (that would show up in the sand) to attract customers. |
To Advertise………………….. Click here to see fact sheet. New rates for 2017
Editorial Submission:
Please remember to send me your news so that we can share it with all our readers in the weekly newsletter.
Although editorial is neither guaranteed nor implied, suitable editorial for consideration may be submitted to:
Did you know….