Fashion met gaming and robotics at the Thrift Flip Roadshow, hosted at GameOn Africa Arcade in Daveyton recently, where youngsters explored the creative and environmental value of textile upcycling while getting hands-on experience with coding and robotics.

Led by Up-Cycled Cloth Collective founder Melanie Brummer, the community activation brought together young creatives working with pre-loved textiles, robotics enthusiasts and children eager to discover new skills in an interactive environment.

The event combined fashion and technology to raise awareness about textile waste and demonstrate how discarded clothing and fabrics can be transformed into valuable creations, while also introducing children to the possibilities of robotics programming.

Brummer explained that the roadshow aims to make learning about textile upcycling accessible and enjoyable by combining education with interactive activities.

“I host a roadshow in Johannesburg from time to time where I showcase the work of young talents who use upcycled and pre-loved textiles,” she said.

The Daveyton event came about after Brummer was introduced to GameOn Arcade by local creative Sibusiso Mokoena, who works with thrifted products and makes clothing from pre-loved garments.

She subsequently involved Bradley Beyleveld of the Robotics League, which takes robotics programming into schools, to help create an experience that linked technology with environmental awareness.

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“The robots at the moment are moving piles of fabric around. This gives us the chance to educate children about textile waste and why it needs to be cleaned up,” Brummer explained.

“It gives kids an opportunity to learn robotics programming in an interactive way and us an opportunity to tell our story about textile upcycling and why it’s important.”

Beyond the educational activities, the roadshow offered games and competitions with prizes, as well as a photobooth where children could capture their experiences with the robots.

GameOn’s Asanda Ngwenya said the event was about bringing a robotics and thrifting experience to the community.

“It’s to show children how easy it is to code and how they can turn their everyday toys into functional robots that can perform tasks in the house including separating toys and cleaning. We are also trying to find interesting ways of incorporating thrifts into different spaces,” she said.

Youngsters Simphiwe Nkosi and Mahlogonolo Mashabela were among a handful of children who enjoyed the activities of the day.

“I learnt how to use robots and find different ways to solve a problem. This experience has taught me to be creative,” said Chris Hani resident Nkosi.

Mashabela added, “This was valuable. I now want to pursue studies in robotics”.

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