Since its establishment, the CDI has aimed to transform the craft and design sector from a network of 63 makers in 2001 to a community of over 8 300 creatives across all nine provinces. Through strategic support, skills development and market access, the CDI has aimedto help countless makers turn their creativity into sustainable businesses, creating jobs and generating hundreds of millions in revenue, says the CDI.

"The most important lesson we learnt in the early days — and which continues to be reinforced today — is that building sustainable businesses takes time; it's a journey, not a destination," says Erica Elk, Founding CEO of the CDI. "With curiosity, resilience and a willingness to learn, the magic happens."

"Making It! 2026" aims to bring together emerging and established designers, innovators, educators, investors and policymakers for focused conversations, practical exchanges, live demonstrations and immersive experiences. Over two days, participants will have the opportunity to explore how heritage and craftsmanship intersect with innovation, discover new ways of making and experience the transformative power of collaboration, adds the CDI.

According to the CDI, highlights include:

  • MakeSHOPS that honour traditional craft techniques and contemporary innovation
  • live demonstrations that reveal the process behind the work of South Africas leading makers, and
  • interactive sessions where knowledge, skills and market insights are shared across generations of creative entrepreneurs.

"We need human connection, we need each other," says Elk "Gatherings like this can provide the most significant injection of energy and insight that you don't even know you're missing. For 25 years, the CDI has been creating these spaces through our Creative Exchanges — and 'Making It! 2026' is a milestone moment to bring this celebration to Johannesburg."

The event aims to underscore the importance of creativity in addressing South Africa's economic challenges, particularly for women and young people, while highlighting the global demand for authentic, ethically produced design. "Making It!" aims to celebrate not just individual breakthroughs, but the consistent passion, effort and vision that drive South Africa's creative sector, says the CDI.

The conference will be held within Level Three in Sandton, with an evening reception at Katy's Palace Bar. Both venues are in Kramerville Design District — a South African design destinations, concludes the CDI.

Ticket details for "Making It! 2026":

  • Virtual Attendance: from R850.
  • In-Person Attendance: from R2 500 for two days.
  • CDI Members: Receive a 20% discount on in-person tickets.

For more information, or to book tickets, visit  www.making-it.org.za.

*Image courtesy of contributor