The Change 1 Woman (C1W) initiative is grateful to have the support and sponsorship from women like Illze Bester, Business Unit Manager from Kolok Graphic Supplies (KGS), who stepped up and hosted the C1W Bloemfontein event when I could not. Bester shares her thoughts on the industry, trends, the key to success and what we can do attract young talent to the industry.
Supporting women in the signage and large format printing industry is less about special treatment and more about creating environments where women can grow, be visible, and progress in their careers or businesses.
What do you love most about working in the printing and signage industry?
I have been in the printing industry for 36 years, and I still get excited about it. It is an industry that is constantly changing and evolving. What I love most is the opportunity to solve problems and assist customers in finding the right product for their unique applications. Our products are not a one-size-fits-all solution and require careful material selection and technical understanding. The people in this industry also make it incredibly rewarding, we work with individuals who are creative, passionate, and innovative.
What are the top three industry trends for 2026?
Looking ahead, I believe the top three trends for 2026 in the printing and signage industry will be:
Sustainable And Eco-Conscious Materials
While sustainability may not yet have a major impact on all areas of the signage industry, it is becoming increasingly important in interior spaces such as point-of-sale displays and interior décor. This is particularly true when producing work for international brands, where environmentally responsible materials and processes are becoming a requirement.
Custom And Experiential Signage
Brands are looking for more personalised and memorable ways to promote their products. This is driving demand for customised, one-off pieces that incorporate different finishes, print mediums, and layered elements to create unique and impactful visual experiences.
The Home Craft And Entrepreneurial Market
South Africans are resilient people who have often had to adapt to unexpected circumstances. This has led to a growing number of entrepreneurs across the country. The signage and printing industry offers great opportunities for these individuals to start businesses with relatively low start-up costs. With the development of new printing technologies and products, there is still significant opportunity within this market.
What is the key to success in this industry?
There are a few principles that I have tried to follow. Conducting business honestly and offering the best possible service to customers have always been important to me. I have also tried to stay up to date with technological developments and continuously learn about the technical aspects of the products we supply.
Having the knowledge to guide customers in selecting the right material for the right application is extremely rewarding. We learn something new every day, and that is what keeps this industry so interesting. It is also very fulfilling to see how your input contributes to someone else’s success. Our industry is highly relationship-driven, and I am grateful for the strong relationships I have built with customers, suppliers, and even competitors over the years.
How do we attract young female talent to our industry?
This requires changing both perception and access. Many young women are simply unaware that the industry exists, or they assume it is overly technical or physically demanding. Creating greater awareness through partnerships with design and technical colleges can help introduce young women to the opportunities available. Learnership and internship programmes within companies can also play an important role in building pathways into the industry.
Supporting women in the signage and large format printing industry is less about special treatment and more about creating environments where women can grow, be visible, and progress in their careers or businesses. Mentorship and sponsorship play an important role in this, such as mentorship between senior and junior employees, industry mentorship programmes, and leaders actively advocating for women can make a meaningful difference.
Industry networks such as C1W provide a valuable platform where women can share their experiences, discuss challenges in business, seek guidance, and explore new opportunities. It is also a powerful space for networking and supporting one another. I would encourage more women in our industry to become part of this initiative, to share their stories, support one another, and give back. When women support each other, we create stronger businesses, stronger networks, and a stronger industry.
C1W Durban Networking Event
Join us at the C1W networking event at the Sign Africa Durban expo. This event will give women in the industry a chance to meet, share challenges, access support, and explore opportunities in training, mentorship, and business. The event is sponsored by: Kolok Graphic Supplies, NUtec Digital Ink, DTF Printing Africa, Avery Dennison and Durban ICC.
Date: Thursday 28 March
Time: 12pm
Place: Durban ICC, C1W stand in hall 3A
RSVP: info@c1w.co.za
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KOLOK GRAPHIC SUPPLIES
+27 11 248 0554
salesgs@koloksa.co.za
www.kolokgs.co.za
