Decorex Africa, the continent’s premier design and decor showcase, is set to reach unprecedented heights in 2025 with the appointment of Alan Hayward and Garreth van Niekerk as joint Executive Creative Directors. Organised by RX Africa, the iconic events will take place in Cape Town from 5–8 June and in Joburg from 24–27 July 2025.
This dynamic duo brings a shared passion for highlighting African creativity and ingenuity, with plans to foster groundbreaking collaborations, forge international partnerships, and introduce immersive exhibitions that connect African talent with global design enthusiasts and industry leaders.
Carol Weaving, Managing Director of RX Africa, expressed her excitement: “Garreth and Alan are bringing fresh vision and energy to our team, setting the stage for an incredible year in 2025.”
A New Vision for Decorex Africa
Hayward and Van Niekerk envision Decorex Africa as a transformative platform for innovation, dialogue, and inspiration. Van Niekerk shares a glimpse of their plans:
“Visitors can expect all-new African Design pavilions and exhibitions, featuring curated Best Ofs that foster cross-continental dialogue. We’re also exploring virtual spaces that reflect the digital worlds we occupy and their influence on real-life design. Additionally, we’ll incorporate literary, cultural, and horticultural programming that underscores sustainable design practices and our evolving relationship with nature.”
The directors recently explored the continent through Capitec handmadeAFRICA, gaining invaluable insights into the rising wave of African designers shaping the global design narrative.
“We want to bring these fresh, fun, and fabulous perspectives to Decorex Africa 2025,” says Hayward. “Local audiences are hungry for innovative ideas, and we aim to reconnect design disciplines, blurring traditional boundaries to celebrate African craftsmanship as a cultural bridge.”
Creative Powerhouses
Hayward and Van Niekerk’s credentials and creative prowess make them the ideal pair to lead Decorex Africa into a new era:
- Alan Hayward: Co-founder of Always Welcome, Marketing and Programmes Director at the Inside Out Centre for the Arts, and Lead Buyer and Operations Director for Capitec handmadeAFRICA. His multi-disciplinary background in economics, politics, and music adds depth to his innovative approach to design.
- Garreth van Niekerk: An acclaimed curator, author, and journalist, Van Niekerk has worked with top publications like Mail & Guardian, City Press, and House and Leisure. Named one of GQ’s Creatives to Watch, he merges retail expertise with a passion for storytelling to elevate African design on global platforms.
What to Expect at Decorex Africa 2025
Attendees can look forward to:
- African Design Pavilions: Showcasing top-tier works from across the continent and beyond.
- Immersive Virtual Experiences: Exploring the intersection of digital and real-world design.
- Sustainable Design Innovations: Focusing on eco-friendly practices in collaboration with nature.
- Curated Exhibitions: Celebrating the best in African craftsmanship, from emerging talents to iconic figures.
Hayward and Van Niekerk’s commitment to connecting Africa’s vibrant creativity with global audiences ensures that Decorex Africa 2025 will not only be a showcase but a movement, celebrating the continent’s role in shaping the future of design.
For updates and tickets, visit decorex.co.za or follow @decorexafrica.