The aim of the initiative was to provide entrepreneurs in the fashion and footwear industry with the necessary skills and knowledge to enhance their businesses’ competitiveness and sustainability. Participants acquired industry specific expertise and engaged in hands-on practical projects to improve the quality of their products.

The project was sponsored by the national Department of Sports, Arts and Culture and the facilitators were from the Creative and Tech Hub led by Dr Thembeka Mlauli.  The students were taught among other things to trim garments, produce garments, and select the right paint for shoes among other skills.

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Mlauli who is the chairperson of the Design Council of South Africa applauded the participants for the great work they achieved and also praised them for their attitude to learn. “It is my passion to transfer the skills and knowledge I have acquired through the years to others. “All successful people started from the bottom, but their determination and consistency made them successful.

Take this knowledge and expand on it,” she said. Fortunate Ngobeni, one of the students, thanked Seda and the department. “It has been a beautiful three weeks; we had a good supportive structure.