The annual Cape Town Fashion Festival (CTFF), which opened on 1 May and ends on the 17th, is thanks to the South African Clothing and Textile Workers' Union (SACTWU). It's their way of drawing attention to the massive penetration of local markets by clothing imports, from China in particular. Because, instead of taking to the streets, trashing the neighbourhood and generally tee-ing everyone off, they instead turned to fashion to promote and show off the country's great designs and to make the case for their industry. What a refreshing change. I, for one, am sick and tired of strikes and protests as a means to get a point across. Cosatu marched to protest against high food prices and, according to the SABC, a strike was averted in the Western Cape. With tears in my bloodshot eyes, how does a strike, which costs workers their wages, help them afford higher food costs? At least the SACTWU fashion festival is a positive, and, it needs to be said, entirely peaceful, demonstration of their sector's value. There is a time and place for striking - peacefully - but it's a pity more unions don't work out peaceful, positive ways to promote their sectors. And please, don't follow the ANC Youth League's lead - one bared backside is one more than we need.

Rod Baker, Content Manager