Explore the success story of Township Patterns (www.township.co.za), a South African grassroots enterprise driving social innovation in the events industry. We have partnered with them to produce eco-friendly, fair-trade conference bags for EAIE Prague 2014 (http://ow.ly/yfCGX). Township is a thriving network of worker-owned sewing co-operatives supporting around 50 women and their families in the townships around Cape Town.

1. TOWNSHIP PATTERNS
A SOCIAL ENTERPRISE IN ACTION: CASE
STUDY
Christophe Labesse,
CEO
EIBTM Sustainable Hub, 2012 1
Since 1997

2. An African grassroots enterprise is
driving social innovation in the
Meetings, Incentives, Conferences
and Exhibitions industry
Since 1997

3. The first heartbeat of the
company originated in the
townships. While visiting
Cape Town during her
holidays Nicole-Marie Iresch
(Founder and Chairman) was
approached by a group of
women
asking for employment. She
felt an instant bond with
them and immediately
recognized their energy and
potential.
Can you see the beauty?

4. Nicole-Marie entered their
homes, listened to their
dreams and hopes; she
discovered a deep beauty and
spirit hidden between the
metal sheets of the shacks.
The women had just basic
sewing skills along with
motivation and style.
They started mixing them with
the colours, the vibe, the
textures and feelings of
the townships in order to show
them to the rest of the world.
Take a closer look

5. Since 1997, Township Patterns has been supporting
women entrepreneurship
in township communities outside Cape Town, South Africa.
A Story of Beauty and Success
in the least expected place

6. TOWNSHIP PATTERNS
o Product design
o Marketing
o Communication
o Distribution
AFRIQUE DU SUD BIDONVILLES
o Production support – Quality Control
o Training
o Development financing
o Cooperatives network management
7 COOPERATIVES
60 women
township®
new business model
1
1
3
2

7. township®
new offering
A response to current World crisis
o A new business model to alleviate poverty
through business
o 100% commitment to women empowerment
o Exclusive use of eco-friendly materials
o Africa rising movement : pulling out Africa from
its economic seclusion
Since 1997

8. Swiss example
44,500 delegate bags
Since 1997

9. township®
A 21st century company
New World characteristics
o Putting producers back at the centre of your
organisation
o Advocating Fair Trade in your industry
o Early adopters like ISN, TEDx, … understand the new
model
2013 International Society of
Nephrology Congress
Hong-Kong, China
Since 1997

10. Can you see the beauty now?

11. Thank you!
Enkosi kakulu!
Since 1997