WATCH: Fashion show, market focus on women
Women were empowered and given the opportunity to showcase their talents at the event.
The second annual Anakazi fashion show and market was held at St Matthew’s Primary School in Croydon on March 9.
Women were empowered through the event and were also given the opportunity to showcase their talents.
“We discovered there isn’t much of a platform or support for our local women in poetry, dancing, and arts and craft making. This show was created to help support our local businesswomen in those industries, including artists, designers, speakers, restaurant owners and others,” said Tania Ramahotswa, the event organiser and director of Tandiso Designs.
Anakazi means woman in Bemba, a Zambian language, and although the show was organised by Ramahotswa, it was founded by Mary Mukuka, chief executive officer of Tandiso Designs, which makes for a good mother and daughter team.
Ramahotswa said through the event they wanted to be a gathering place for men and women who would love to support women.
“There are a lot of women, especially with their own established businesses, who would rather bring other women down than empower them,” said Ramahotswa.
“We are all about women empowerment and want Anakazi to be the platform where women learn from each other, network, grow and support each other.”
The audience was left in awe during the fashion show where they saw designs from MI Fashion, Thandophobia, Patie M Apparel and Tandiso Designs.
While the models changed into different designs, the audience was entertained by different acts, including a musical piece by Towela Tembo.
Ntombi Mhangwana, chief financial officer at Mhangwana Commercial and Financial Accountants, spoke about women in business and the need to toughen up when in business. Angela Mthembu recited one of her poems.
“You don’t have a friend when you run a business; don’t compromise your and your child’s future because of friendships in business,” said Mhangwana.
Ntie Moabi was the day’s MC and ensured the programme, that included Tendai Moabi, ran according to plan.
Ramahotswa also mentioned the event wouldn’t have been possible without the help of their sponsors.
“Thank you to everyone who attended and helped make this show the success it was.”
