SOWETO: Fashion, culture and heritage will take centre stage when South Africa and Nigeria come together for the Annual Vukani Fashion Awards, themed “Threads of Unity 2026”, on 26 September.
Supported by the Women African Tourism Board (WATB), the event will be held at Vilakazi Street in Soweto, one of South Africa’s most historic streets.
Under the theme “From Soweto to Lagos”, the event will bring together five designers from South Africa and five from Nigeria for a showcase celebrating fashion, storytelling and African heritage, while highlighting opportunities within the continent’s creative economy.
WATB said Threads of Unity is intended to go beyond a fashion showcase by creating a platform for cultural exchange and collaboration between people and creative industries from the two countries.
The organisation said the event will also celebrate African creatives whose work has contributed to shaping the continent’s cultural identity.
At the centre of this year’s gathering is renowned South African designer Sonwabile Ndamase, whose work has taken South African fashion and cultural stories to international audiences.
“Giants must receive their flowers while they can still smell them,” said WATB, highlighting the importance of recognising African creative legends during their lifetime and preserving their contributions for future generations.
The event will also pay tribute to the legacy of struggle icon Mama Winnie Madikizela-Mandela. Organisers selected Vilakazi Street as the venue to reflect on South Africa’s history, heritage and the role played by its struggle figures.
Beyond the fashion showcases and awards, Threads of Unity 2026 will feature panel discussions, cultural conversations and opportunities for collaboration between South African and Nigerian creatives, leaders and cultural ambassadors.
WATB said the two countries share strong ties through business, entertainment, culture and the creative economy, with the event seeking to strengthen these connections.
“Cultural diplomacy is not merely about governments sitting around tables. It is people meeting people, cultures meeting cultures and creatives opening doors for creatives,” said WATB.
Organisers are inviting families, fashion enthusiasts, creatives and members of the public to attend the event.
Through fashion, awards and dialogue, Threads of Unity 2026 aims to create a platform for South African and Nigerian creatives to connect while highlighting the role of African heritage and creativity in shaping the continent’s future.
