Somerset West designer wins Cape Town mayor's festive jersey challenge

A concept of a festive jersey designed by Somerset West resident Marnus Botha won the inaugural Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis’s annual Festive-Wear Top competition.

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.

Mr Botha was born and raised in the Klein Karoo town of Oudtshoorn, but currently lives in Somerset West. He currently works for the City of Cape Town, specialising in infrastructure planning.

Speaking about winning the competition, he 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”. 

“I enjoy experimenting with ideas that combine aesthetics, functionality, and originality — whether that is through fashion, visual concepts, or other creative outlets. For me, design is a way to express personality and emotion, to tell a story through form, colour, and detail.”

He wanted the mayor’s festive top to reflect the spirit of unity and hope of the City, he added.

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