After months of investigations, evidence gathering, and trend spotting, the Local Fashion Police has officially closed the case and identified the four winners of the 2026 edition of the competition.
Selected from a group of 12 outstanding finalists and hundreds of entries received from across South Africa, these fashion mavens impressed a distinguished judging panel with their flair, originality, and commitment to wearing local fashion with confidence and pride.
The competition, which celebrates South African fashion and champions local designers, was adjudicated by four of the country's leading fashion personalities, namely Mpumelelo “Lele” Dhlamini of Ezokhetho, Thabo Makhetha-Kwinana of Thabo Makhetha, Anel Botha, and Rivaldo Louw of By Waldo.
Each adjudicator selected their favourite finalist and will design an exclusive, bespoke outfit valued at R50 000. Their selected winners will walk the runway at the grand finale, which is taking place on 19 November.
Each judge selected a finalist who brought the talent, flair and originality of local fashion to life and whose style best embodied the creativity, craftsmanship, and originality of South African fashion.
The 2026 Local Fashion Police winners are:
- Warren Masemola - Selected by Thabo Makhetha-Kwinana
- Zintle Gobozi - Selected by Anel Botha
- Pronestar Lindiwe Masanabo - Selected by Rivaldo Louw
- Velile Nongogo - Selected by Mpumelelo “Lele” Dhlamini
“We are immensely proud of our top four winners, who have embraced local fashion with confidence, passion and authenticity. The Local Fashion Police continues to demonstrate the extraordinary depth of talent within South Africa's fashion industry. This year's winners have distinguished themselves not only through their personal style, but through their commitment to celebrating locally designed and manufactured fashion. Their success highlights the important role consumers play in supporting local industries, creating jobs and building a more resilient economy. We are proud to celebrate their journey and their contribution to advancing the buy-local movement,” says Eustace Mashimbye, Chief Executive Officer of Proudly South African.
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Mashimbye says through the Local Fashion Police, Proudly South African seeks not only to inspire pride in locally designed and manufactured fashion while positioning South Africa's creative industry as a force to be reckoned with, but it is also a reaffirmation of support for the local clothing, textile, fashion, and leather (CTFL) industries which continue to face crippling competition from offshore online retailers.
Proudly supported by FP&M SETA, TFG, Nando's, Krispy Kreme, Nestle, Brutal Fruit, and Six Dogs Gin, the Local Fashion Police is more than a fashion competition; it is a powerful platform for celebrating South African creativity and connecting consumers with the exceptional talent found within our local fashion industry.
"As South Africans, we have the power to make fashion choices that create real social and economic impact," adds Mashimbye. "Every rand spent on locally made clothing, footwear and accessories that are #LovedHereMadeHere supports jobs, fosters innovation, and invests in the future of our country. By choosing locally designed and manufactured fashion, consumers help sustain businesses, protect jobs, and strengthen South Africa's economy," Mashimbye concluded.
Follow Proudly South African's social media platforms to track the winners' journey from announcement to runway.
Join the conversation:
#LocalFashionPolice2026 #LovedHereMadeHere
