This is not a review, but if it was, I would definitely consider starting with the 2024 inaugural Design Week South Africa.
For now, we are highling the latest news South Africa’s premier celebration of design, innovation, and creative expression returns in 2025 with an open call for participation. Following its highly successful debut, Design Week South Africa invites designers, brands, and industry professionals to take part in an immersive city-wide experience showcasing the future of South African design.
Taking place from 9–12 October in Johannesburg and 23–26 October in Cape Town, this dynamic event brings together visionaries from diverse design disciplines—architecture, fashion, furniture, home décor, art, industrial design, and more. Through curated discussions, exhibitions, workshops, and interactive experiences, Design Week South Africa aims to foster collaboration, inclusivity, and innovation.
The inaugural edition in 2024 saw over 90 activations and 150 creatives and brands contributing to a vibrant program across both cities. Reflecting on the event’s impact, founder Margot Molyneux shared:
“I was amazed by the incredible response to our first year. The industry’s overwhelming participation—spanning 15 design disciplines—demonstrated a deep hunger for collaboration and creative exchange. With extensive local and international media coverage, the event opened new opportunities for participants beyond their four-day activations.”
Open Call for Participation
Design Week South Africa invites designers, makers, and creative thinkers to apply for inclusion in its curated calendar of events. Selected participants will be featured in a multidisciplinary program that includes:
- Workshops & Exhibitions – Showcasing innovative design concepts.
- Engaging Discussions & Panel Talks – Thought-provoking dialogues on industry trends.
- Interactive Installations & Performances – Pushing the boundaries of creativity.
- Showroom Experiences & Open Studios – Offering exclusive behind-the-scenes insights.
- Food & Drink Activations – Celebrating the intersection of design and gastronomy.
- Walkabout Tours & Product Launches – Bringing audiences closer to the design process.
Each event within Design Week South Africa 2025 will be framed through four key content pillars: Space Sharing, Growing Collaboratively, Future Archives, and Game Changing. These themes will guide the exploration of design’s evolving role in shaping industries, communities, and everyday life.
For creatives eager to connect, showcase, and influence the future of design, this is a unique opportunity to engage with peers, industry leaders, and a global audience.
Applications are now open. For more information on how to participate, visit them HERE
