E Thabethe: ‘One of a Kind’ trade show

10 August 2006

Since the launch of the ‘One of a Kind’ Trade Show three years ago, the
number of exhibitors has increased by more than 90 percent, this is an
indication of the huge potential the craft industry has as a source of job
creation and income generation.

‘One of a Kind’ 2006 celebrates the global revival of all things handmade
and heart warming. More than 200 of the best craft producers in the country are
proudly showcasing their work to international and local buyers, and the
public. The dti supports the One of a Kind Trade Show, as it believes the show
provides emerging craft producers with an excellent platform to demonstrate
their capabilities and to develop commercial expertise.

We are proud to be a partner in this show, because ‘One of a Kind’ has a
significant role to play in promoting the “Proudly South African” campaign, in
showcasing our unique South African craft products to the world, and in
providing market access to developing craft producers. Craft, as you know, is
an important sector for government.

We have always believed that the South African craft industry has the
potential to be amongst the best in the world. This exciting industry, with its
excellent range of designs and products that are unique, combine a variety of
very rich and expressive cultures. And the industry has not disappointed us,
the success of the past two ‘One of a Kind’ Trade Shows indicates that local
craft producers are starting to make their competitive urge felt on the South
African market, and even to some extent on the global market.

This year, four provincial craft producers, who have been participating in
the show since 2004, are exhibiting their work as individual exhibitors. These
enterprises are proof that ‘One of a Kind’, which aims to bring together
emerging, established and new business, is playing a significant part in
identifying some of the hidden talent in South Africa. The show enables these
enterprises to establish a strategic position on the way to becoming successful
local entrepreneurs and exporters. It aims to bridge the divide between first
and second world economies and prepare the crafters for participation in the
economic spin-off of the 2010 Soccer World Cup.

The show must not be allowed to become an isolated event. It must create an
enabling and supportive environment through which the craft producers
continually grow and develop their business. Extensive pre and post show
training takes place, which includes design, product development, and costing,
packaging and branding and quality assurance. The show promotes sustainable
development and job creation by encouraging and facilitating transactions
between small business and larger firms.

I wish you all a great success in this show and thank you for helping to
make South Africa’s success truly ‘One of a Kind’.

Issued by: Department of Trade and Industry
10 August 2006