The non-athletic exhibitors at Comrades
Published: 3rd Jul 2024
The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition sponsors local manufacturers of non-sports products to exhibit at the Comrades Expo. This year, that group included:

Double Down, the footwear manufacturing division of sole maker Planet Events. On the stand was Andile Sefoloko.

Sandal manufacturer Mgabhazi 83. On the stand were Goodwill Moekoena, Nkululeko Xaba and Sfiso Khwela.

New stitchdown manufacturer Aldora Handcrafted Shoes. On the stand were Irene Ganesh and Ester Narsadu.

Impela Trading in Ladysmith, KZN, SA, trains subsistence farmers techniques to flay and preserve hides and skins, and also manufactures leather products. Simx & Alice Orimo own and run this business. rn

Vasie at Rathgar Falls Trading says the handmade nature of her products – which include weapons accessories – is behind their appeal.
Tags: Comrades Expo, DTI, Double Down, Planet Events, Andile Sefoloko, Mgabhazi 83, Goodwill Moekoena, Nkululeko Xaba, Sfiso Khwela, Aldora Handcrafted Shoes, Irene Ganesh, Ester Narsadu, Impela Trading, Simx Orimo, Alice Orimo, Rathgar Falls Trading
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