Design worth it

"Design, like innovation, is a strategic imperative for us," says Charmaine Huet, Woolworths head of marketing, "not only in terms of our own business, but also in terms of its economic value and the vital role it can play in the future of this country. We recognise that design cannot thrive without commercial support and believe that as a good corporate citizen, we have a responsibility both to support the local design industry and to foster the development of a culture of design, particularly among young South Africans. Design Indaba offers the opportunity for us to do both."

The announcement was made shortly after the close of Design Indaba 9, which took place in February in Cape Town. Like its predecessors, this edition of South Africa's premier design conference and exhibition brought top international names in almost every sphere of design to this country to share their unique views, insights and talent with the local industry.

"We celebrate the endorsement of one of South Africa's most trusted and loved companies - by their renewal of support for Design Indaba for another three years. It gives strength and courage to the entire creative community in South Africa to have a business leader uphold the value of design to the economy, says Ravi Naidoo, founder of Design Indaba.