Somerset West ou wins Liggies festive jersey challenge

SOMERSET West resident Marnus Botha has won the inaugural Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis’s annual Festive-Wear Top competition.

With the festive season right around the corner, the City of Cape Town launched the public design competition in September, and challenged crafters from young designers, fashion students to sewing clubs, and elders to create fun festive-wear tops such as jerseys, pullovers, or shirts. 

It was launched to contribute ideas that reflect the City’s resilience, cultural diversity, and spirit of togetherness, as part of this year’s Festive Lights Switch-On celebration.

The winning creation will make its first public appearance, together with its creator, at the testing of the City’s festive lights on Tuesday, November 11, before being worn by the mayor at the official Festive Lights Switch-On concert on the Grand Parade on Sunday, November 30.  

While the final garment remains unknown until its official unveiling, the mayor expressed his excitement. 

“The winning design represents the heart and soul of Cape Town, and I am honoured to get to wear this creation as a symbol of our unity and hope for the season ahead,” said Mr Hill-Lewis.

Speaking about winning the competition, Marnus said: “I had to submit a concept design of the jersey itself in the form of a visual picture together with a description of the jersey to explain its theme and concept, and what each element on the jersey symbolises. 

“Although I am not a professional designer by trade, I have always had a strong appreciation for creativity and design as a personal passion. This has led me to follow the career path of “designing cities”. 

In 2023, he was recognised as one of the country’s Top 30 Young Planning Professionals by the South African Council for Planners.