KwaDukuza Fashion Fair set to go ahead despite local entrepreneur's dispute with municipality
The Durban Fashion Fair. The KwaDukuza Fashion Fair is modelled on the Durban event according to the KwaDukuza Municipality.
Image: Supplied
KwaDukuza’s 2025 Fashion Fair is scheduled to take place next week but the event is unfolding amid a public dispute over its ownership.
Local entrepreneur Mlondi Mtshali claims he founded the original concept, KwaDukuza Fashion Week, and alleges the KwaDukuza Municipality has taken over his event, using his ideas, designer database, and structure without his consent.
The municipality rejected these claims, saying the Fashion Fair is a municipal initiative developed over years to support local designers and models, and that Mtshali participated voluntarily in 2024 before withdrawing from this year’s event.
This year's event will take place on November 25 at KwaDukuza Town Hall.
Mtshali, founder of Bikado Modeling and Clothing Brand, said in a recent statement that he was removed from planning for the 2025 event after refusing to hand over designer profiles and portfolios to people with no formal agreement. He claims the municipality rebranded the event as the KwaDukuza Fashion Fair without his permission.
“This event is my creation. It was built to empower our local fashion community. They have stolen my dream and my hard work,” he said.
Mtshali confirmed he has launched legal action against the municipality’s LED Manager for fraud, corruption, and intellectual property theft, and is seeking damages.
The municipality, however, maintains that the Fashion Fair was developed as part of broader efforts to support local entrepreneurs in the clothing and textile sector. “The suggestion that the municipality has appropriated Mr. Mtshali's idea is entirely without merit,” officials said.
They noted that Mtshali participated voluntarily in 2024, was never formally appointed as a service provider, and withdrew from the 2025 event in writing.
According to the municipality, all designers for 2025 were selected through a transparent expression-of-interest process, and preparations are proceeding “without hindrances”.
It added that the event, which will feature 26 models and 13 designers, is modelled on Durban Fashion Week event and is part of Entrepreneurship Month programmes, funded under a broader budget.
They further said the introduction of a business incubator partnering with Umfolozi TVET College aims to expand opportunities for local talent.
KwaDukuza Municipality reaffirmed its commitment to promoting local creative talent while reserving its rights should the matter escalate legally.