Meet Design Indaba's Emerging Creatives class of 2016

To showcase these talented individuals was the reason we started our Emerging Creatives programme. These young designers are in dire need of support, exposure, mentorship and the chance to launch themselves and their products in the public arena. This is exactly what the programme achieves as some of the country's most prolific designers and creatives can attribute the start of their remarkable careers to the Emerging Creatives programme.

With the volume of phenomenal entries we received, it was exceptionally challenging to narrow them down to just 40. These are the designers to look out for this year.

You will have an opportunity to see their work as part of the Design Indaba Festival 2016 in partnership with the Department of Arts and Culture in an exhibition at the Watershed in the V&A Waterfront from 16-21 February 2016.

Here are the 40 names you should be looking for on the design scene in 2016...

Abongile Gwele

Alexia Hechter

Amy Slatem

Beryl Dingemans

Bokang Lehabe

Carla Latsky

Mafukuzela & Campbell

Danielle Clough

Dhiantha Archery

Fiona Mpungu

Galarekwe Maimane

Gisele Human

Helé de Beer

Helen Borg

Ishaarah Arnold

Jamie-Lee Matthews

Jamil Randera

Jen McKenzie

Josie Hardy

Juan van Wyk

Kobie Niewoudt

Luhandra Vorstman

Lynne Avis

Madri van Zyl

Maeve Roseveare

Max Melvill

Mbali Memela

Megan Smith

Michael Rowlinson

Mieke Vermeulen

Moeketsi "Mokay" Lebakeng

Monde Mabaso

Nkateko Odysseus Shirindza

Phendu Kuta

Philisa Zibi

Seugnet Herbst

Sibusiso Brian Mokhachane

Sikho Mququ

Siyanda Mazibuko

Zinhle Nxumalo

Tshepo Duncan Mokholo