Episode 34: Behind the Scenes of SA’s Creative Industry: KAMERS/Makers on Fast Fashion & the Future of Local

This episode takes us into the heart of South Africa’s creative economy, because the things we wear, the objects we cherish, the spaces we curate, and the flavours we love all begin with a maker — a real human with a real story.And those stories are under threat.I’m joining you from the vibrant KAMERS/Makers market, a cornerstone of local craftsmanship and one of the most influential creative platforms on the continent. With me is Ben-Carl Havemann, CEO and Co-Owner of KAMERS/Makers, and together we unpack a pressing issue affecting consumers, entrepreneurs, and the broader South African economy: the rapid influx of cheap imported goods and what it means for our artisans, our jobs, and our cultural identity.This conversation is an invitation — not just to shop local, but to understand why it matters.*This episode is sponsored by KAMERS/Makers.00:00 — Welcome to Suitcase & Chardonnay00:14 — The Heart of SA’s Creative Economy00:27 — Live from KAMERS/Makers00:50 — Meet Ben-Carl Hawemann01:04 — The Power of a Creative Platform01:36 — A Rainy Tuesday & a Heavy Topic01:54 — The Real Impact of Cheap Imports in SA02:34 — Job Losses and Economic Fallout02:47 — Are Artisans Feeling the Pressure?03:28 — The Resilience of South African Creatives06:11 — Are We Misled About “Imported is Better”?06:42 — Why Local Manufacturing Must Scale07:36 — The Skills Gap: Who Will Make the Clothes?08:08 — A New Hope: The Craft School in Stellenbosch08:57 — Do Consumers Understand the Long-term Cost?09:15 — What Needs to Change at Government Level09:54 — Fast Fashion: The Hidden Crisis10:20 — What Happens When We Lose Our Makers?10:48 — The Theft of Ideas & the Creative ThreatKAMERS/Makers: https://www.kamers.co.za/Book tickets to the Sandton event running from 25 - 30 November: https://www.quicket.co.za/events/328806-kamersmakers-sandton-summer-2025/#/ SUITCASE & CHARDONNAY: https://www.suitcaseandchardonnay.co.za/Follow SUITCASE & CHARDONNAY on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/suitcaseandchardonnay/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/suitcaseandchardonnayPinterest: https://za.pinterest.com/suitcaseandchardonnay/SUBSCRIBE to the SUITCASE & CHARDONNAY newsletter