BY NELIWE NGUBANE
MALKERNS – The countdown to the eighth edition of the Standard Bank Luju Food & Lifestyle Festival has officially begun, with organisers opening applications for the highly anticipated 2026 Food and Fashion Indabas, offering creatives, entrepreneurs and industry professionals a chance to learn from some of Southern Africa’s leading innovators.
Scheduled for Friday, July 31, 2026, at the iconic House on Fire Amphitheatre in Malkerns, the two flagship knowledge-sharing platforms will set the tone for the festival weekend by bringing together visionaries shaping the future of Africa’s food and fashion industries.
The Fashion Indaba will run from 9am to 1pm, followed by the Food Indaba from 1pm to 5pm, creating a full day dedicated to collaboration, innovation and business growth.
Held ahead of the Standard Bank Luju Food & Lifestyle Festival, the Indabas form part of Luju’s long-term commitment to strengthening Africa’s creative economy by empowering Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), encouraging entrepreneurship and creating opportunities for sustainable industry development.
This year’s festival, taking place from August 1-2, is themed “A Return to the African Future”, celebrating African food, fashion, music and culture while honouring heritage through modern creativity.
The Food Indaba will spotlight Nguni Foodways, exploring the deep cultural connection between food, land, livestock and identity. Through expert panel discussions, participants will unpack the importance of indigenous knowledge, sustainable farming and the cultural significance of Nguni cattle in preserving African traditions while shaping the continent’s culinary future.
Meanwhile, the Fashion Indaba draws inspiration from Kwasukasukela (Once Upon A Time), inviting creatives to revisit African stories, traditions and symbols that continue to influence contemporary fashion. Industry experts will lead conversations on building sustainable fashion businesses, strengthening Africa’s fashion ecosystem and preserving indigenous knowledge through design.
Beyond the vibrant festival atmosphere that Luju is known for, the Indabas continue to position the festival as a platform that nurtures talent, develops businesses and celebrates African excellence beyond the main stage.
Applications for both Indabas are now open, with interested participants encouraged to apply online as spaces are limited.
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