Comrades Expo 2026
Published: 26th Jun 2026
Durban, KZN, SA – The exhibitor list at the Comrades Expo, from 11-13 June, has shown an evolution in the types of companies exhibiting. Just 1 running footwear supplier, Ikhambi Distribution, promoting its Hoka brand, was there.
Technical sock suppliers, however, were well represented, with Balega, Falke, Sox Footwear and The Hirst Experience competing for attention.
On the non-technical side, the DTIC sponsored a stand for local manufacturers.
Jean and Mark Hirst, THE Socks.
Koos la Cock, Falke.
Francois Theron, Sox Footwear.
Joshua Stadler and Marc Smith, Balega.
Sihle Jara, Global Bag & Sportswear Manufacturers.
Simx and Alice Orimo, Impela Trading.
Thathakahle Mkabela, UP Creations.
Azande Ndebele, Shlobo Designs.
Brian Hlophe, Silokotho Holdings.
Elaine Chetty, Froggie Fashions.
Mbali Dlamini, Magnificent Bag.
Sne, Tahnie.
Tags: Comrades Expo, Ikhambi Distribution, Hoka brand, Balega, Falke, Sox Footwear, The Hirst Experience, DTIC
Footwear Industry Articles
- We could make sports shoes then, and I’m sure we could make them now
Retired shoemaker Brian Zyster shares more of his memories of ‘the good old days’ of footwear manufacturing in South Africa ...moreKZN Clothing and Textile Cluster (KZNCTC) SME AcceleratorDurban, KZN, SA – We are pleased to announce the launch of the 2026 SME Accelerator Programme.What’s new this year:The programme has been expanded into a full-year development journey, offering SMEs multiple opportunities for learning, mentoring, networking, and direct engagement with potential buyers.We invite you to apply to ...moreAn industry with distinctive material riches, unable to sufficiently convert them into finished goods in a world class way“The project’s purpose,” said Courtney Grant, “is to be a robust, evidence-based strategy to address the leather and general goods sector’s challenges and unlock its growth potential.”The main headings of her presentation were:Creating the groundwork for a National Leather and General Goods Strategy:Fro ...more
Leather Industry Articles
- Barnini installs spray booth in SA
Castelfranco di Sotto (PI), Italy – Leather spray equipment manufacturer Barnini Srl has installed an automatic rotary spray booth at an unnamed South African tannery. ...moreSA’s 2025 automotive leather exports: Down on 2024, but still good, on the face of it
Figures from NAAMSA’s Automotive Trade Manual 2026 Automotive components – exports by product Component category 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 % of total export value Ran ...moreImproving the strength and softness of crust leather through pressure treatment
IntroductionRetanning and fatliquoring have a major impact on the characteristics of leather, whereas dyeing and the finishing concentrate on the appearance of the leather. Various retanning agents and fatliquoring agents have been developed to improve the softness and mechanical strength of leather, parameters that are important to the b ...more
PPE Industry Articles
- Protecting the workforce: The critical role of PPE
Personal protective equipment (PPE) is utilised in a work-environment as part of a larger prevention plan, because on its own protection is limited and may even provide a false sense of protection.An occupational disease prevention plan must be an actionable approach that identifies workplace health hazards, evaluates exposure, and i ...morePremier Workwear: Engineered protection for Africa’s industrial workforce
In high-risk industrial environments, protective clothing is far more than a uniform requirement — it is a critical component of workplace safety, operational reliability and regulatory compliance. For procurement professionals, safety managers and operational leaders, selecting the right supplier means finding a partner capable of ...moreProactive or reactive? The importance of choosing the correct hand protection
Our aim is to deliver value to the user experience by ensuring optimal protection, compliance, and operational confidence in every task performed.Hand protection has evolved significantly in response to the critical need to reduce workplace injuries and strengthen safety performance across diverse industries.Modern advancements in materia ...more
© S&V Publications
