CheckPoint Podcast | Why SA fashion is fighting for its future | 28 April 2026
Nkepile Mabuse speaks to Nkensani Nkosi about Stone Cherrie, Freedom Day, South African fashion, fast fashion, second-hand clothing, textile waste and the future of the local creative economy.
The conversation starts with a reflection on post-apartheid South Africa and the moment that gave rise to a new wave of cultural expression. Nkosi explains how Stone Cherrie was born from a desire to represent modern Black South African identity, urban energy and African design beyond narrow stereotypes.
From there, the discussion turns to the deeper economic story behind fashion. South Africa’s textile industry has been hit by cheap imports, global competition, fast fashion and the rise of second-hand clothing. Nkosi argues that creativity alone is not enough. The industry needs distribution, manufacturing capacity, commercial thinking, strong education and serious implementation.
She also raises a difficult question about Africa’s place in the global fashion economy: why should the continent become a dumping ground for the Global North’s overproduction problem?
For anyone interested in South African fashion, local manufacturing, creative entrepreneurship, African identity, textile waste or the future of the creative economy, this CheckPoint conversation cuts straight to the seams.
Catch up on all CheckPoint Podcast episodes here: https://www.enca.com/checkpoint-podcast-0
