“The Gauteng Fashion Council (GFC) is now existing and operating”

THE GAUTENG FASHION COUNCIL

“The Gauteng Fashion Council (GFC) is now existing and operating”

The Gauteng Fashion Council, a Non-Profit Organisation, was established last year to serve the needs of the Gauteng Fashion Industry.

The Founders and Board of Directors include: David Tlale; Lesego Malatsi; Vanya Mangaliso; and JJ Schoeman.

The GFC wants to "nurture" the Fashion Design industry in Gauteng. In becoming 'architects'. Architects of Clothing, Textile, Leather, and Footwear products on a local and international scale, through industry facilitation and co-ordination with the aim of achieving co-ordination and facilitation of:

- the development of Fashion Design skills in Gauteng to match industry requirements;

- product development through innovation;

- increased manufacturing of locally produced products;

- access to markets for new industry participants.

The Board of Directors are representatives from all the 5 municipality regions in Gauteng and their journey to establishing the GFC kicked off with a collaboration with the Gauteng Department of Economic Development. Through provincial government support that the Board of Directors were able to meet with the various municipalities in Gauteng. It was through these partnerships that the GFC held municipality 'roadshows' with the assistance of the respective municipalities. Each region was visited with the aim of electing Designers who have 10 years experience in design, manufacturing, and retail in order to lead the GFC regional forums which were established at the roadshows. The whole idea behind the roadshows were to introduce the fashion design community to the GFC.

Acting CEO for the GFC: Miss Francina Mmopa Ntsimane is the main contact person in the GFC. The appointment of the Acting CEO has brought stability into the GFC and has managed to create a sound relationship with various stakeholders within the industry. She played a critical role in organising roadshows and assisting Directors with admin & marketing of the 5 roadshows.

The GFC portfolios:

- Communication, media and PR

- Manufacturing;

- Fashion Designers;

- Retail;

- Education and Skills Development;

- Labor Unions;

- Municipalities; 

- Provincial Government

- Legal and Finance

- Fundraising and Sponsorship Committee

As a NPO, the GFC serves with no remuneration and funding, which means that all the work that has been done thus far, was done through the assistance of provincial and local government and resources from various entities within the GFC. 

The GFC family wishes to grow in terms of membership and all Fashion Industry individuals within Gauteng are invited to join the GFC as members of the organization and active participants where possible.