KAMERS/Makers, South Africa’s leading artisan marketplace, has officially launched a new chapter in its 23-year journey with a refreshed visual identity, a powerful new seasonal theme and the announcement of three national shows forming part of the 2025 Spring/Summer season, including a new venue in the Cape Winelands.
“What started as a small show in Stellenbosch back in 2003 has grown into one of the largest creative platforms on the continent,” said Magdel Kemp, co-owner and chief operating officer of KAMERS/Makers. “Over the years we’ve expanded to six national events annually, welcoming nearly 60 000 visitors and showcasing more than 300 curated ‘makers’ from all corners of South Africa. It’s been a journey of consistent growth, grounded in a deep belief in the power of local creativity and entrepreneurship.”
More than 7 500 creative entrepreneurs have exhibited at KAMERS/Makers events over the past two decades, collectively generating hundreds of millions of rands in direct turnover. These “makers” play a vital role in local job creation, supporting over 4 000 full-time jobs and an additional 2 650 seasonal or indirect jobs in the 2025 Spring/Summer season alone.
“KAMERS/Makers is a platform where creativity becomes livelihood and small businesses take root,” added Ben-Carl Havemann, newly appointed co-owner and CEO. “This new chapter reflects a deepened commitment to the values that have always underpinned our success – creativity, community and economic empowerment.”
The refreshed KAMERS/Makers visual identity, now live across all platforms, honours the brand’s handmade heritage while embracing a more contemporary and editorial tone. The new logo, featuring stitched elements, pays homage to the hands-on craftsmanship at the heart of every “maker’s” story.
The theme for the 2025 Spring/Summer season, Deep Roots, Bold Futures, celebrates legacy, reinvention and the diverse creative paths being forged across SA. At the heart of this theme is Zinhle Sithebhe, the newly named season’s artist, whose work explores the intersections of culture, identity and innovation.
The season will feature three major shows, each bringing together more than 300 curated “makers” in uniquely inspiring locations: Pretoria (24 to 28 September); Cape Winelands from 28 October to 2 November; and Sandton (25 to 30 November).
The Winelands show marks an exciting new partnership with Allée Bleue, a scenic wine estate located between Stellenbosch and Franschhoek. The venue offers breathtaking views and an ideal setting for more than 160 “makers”.
Coinciding with the launch of the 2025 Spring/Summer season is the unveiling of a redesigned website, kamers.co.za, featuring streamlined navigation, easier access to ticketing and applications, and storytelling about the “makers” behind the scenes.
