Online Reporter
Mbulelo Mpofu in South Africa
CAPE TOWN, affectionately known as the Mother City, recently pulsed with the energy of African creativity as it hosted the prestigious South African Menswear Week Spring/Summer 2026. Amidst dazzling runway shows and the buzz of industry insiders, one nation stood out with undeniable force: Zimbabwe.
From 21 to 25 October, Wonderland Film Studios was transformed into a stage for cultural storytelling and sartorial excellence. Zimbabwean designers, supported by the Group of Creatives, Cape Town Fashion Council, SDR Photo, and Arts Thread, delivered a masterclass in heritage-infused innovation that left an indelible mark on the continent’s premier menswear event. The week drew a global audience of fashion enthusiasts, students, industry titans, buyers, and policymakers, all eager to witness the evolution of African style. It began with a potent two-day symposium that fostered rooted dialogues and plural voices, setting the tone for a week of bold expression and cultural introspection.
Among the esteemed international speakers — Alex Brownless from the UK, Mille de la Valette of Louis Vuitton, and Thorsten Traugott of Coloro — Zimbabwe’s own Gilmore Qhawe Khumalo commanded attention. As the visionary founder of Paper Bag Africa and the groundbreaking “I Wear My Culture” research project, Khumalo brought nearly 15 years of industry experience to the fore. He passionately illuminated the critical importance of reconnecting with cultural roots, positioning heritage as a powerful narrative tool across fashion, film, and music. His message of authentic, passionate, and unapologetic expression resonated deeply, setting a powerful precedent for Zimbabwe’s participation.
The crescendo of Zimbabwe’s impact arrived on the final day with the highly anticipated return of Nkululeko Ncube, founder of Ara Kani, to the SA Menswear Week runway after a five-year sabbatical. A key figure in the “I Wear My Culture” initiative, Ncube unveiled a triumphant 15-piece collection — a captivating exploration of artistry, deep cultural resonance, and the nuances of modern masculinity. The response was electric.
The venue was packed to capacity, with guests spilling into the aisles and many standing throughout the entire show. This was not merely applause; it was a resounding affirmation of Zimbabwean design’s power to captivate international audiences and ascend to global recognition.
Ncube was not alone in carrying Zimbabwe’s banner. Sharing the spotlight were three remarkable talents nurtured through the “I Wear My Culture” initiative, backed by the British Council and Paper Bag Africa: Bhekokuhle Mbongisani Dube, Langelihle Ndlovu (GK.LAN), and Brightman Dlamini. Their collections transcended mere clothing, becoming powerful visual narratives that eloquently told the stories of Zimbabwe’s Khoisan, Karanga, and Tonga communities through the lens of contemporary fashion. Their meticulous craftsmanship, profound storytelling depth, and impeccable finishing captivated over 350 distinguished guests, garnering rave reviews from industry insiders.
For Ndlovu, the experience was transformative.
“SA Menswear Week was truly eye-opening. I learnt the importance of a bold colour palette, staying true to my story and using culture as my voice.
“My superpower is connecting with people through storytelling and design, and I’m committed to continuing that journey, creating timeless pieces that honour our history while embracing the future,” Ndlovu said.
As the curtains closed on an unforgettable week, Zimbabwe’s message was clear and unequivocal: its designers are not merely participants on the African fashion stage — they are pioneers, vital storytellers, and future global leaders.
“Zimbabwean fashion has a strong voice. All we need is to infiltrate the right platforms and keep telling our compelling stories. We’re just getting started,” said Khumalo, the driving force behind this collective success.
Bongani Ndlovu