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Bosadi artisan fashion designers set to shine at exciting Unisa showcase
On 26 July 2025, the trendy and upmarket Kievits Kroon Gauteng Wine Estate in Tshwane will be the backdrop to a vibrant exhibition featuring attire created by the first cohort of the Bosadi Artisans Fashion Design Business Start-up Programme, a groundbreaking initiative by Unisa subsidiary Inhlanyelo Hub NPC. The showcase will be presented in collaboration with partner Oakfields College.
This follows the launch of the programme's second cohort on 16 July, which brought together partners, industry leaders and aspiring young women entrepreneurs ready to embark on their journeys in business and fashion. The programme is a transformative 12-week initiative that combines fashion design training with entrepreneurship development. The first cohort includes 15 women, who are Unisa students and graduates selected through a competitive pitch process.
Designed to provide participants with the tools and resources necessary to establish their own fashion businesses and focused on nurturing the next generation of South African entrepreneurs, the programme emphasises the empowerment of women in the creative sector.
Presence breeds insight
At the launch of the programme's second cohort earlier this week, Prof Raphael Mpofu, CEO of Inhlanyelo Hub NPC, shared inspiring words with the emerging designers. "Set aside distractions and focus on the moment: the textures you’re studying, the feedback you’re receiving, the network you’re building," he urged them. "Presence breeds insight, and insight sparks innovation." He emphasised the importance of reframing past experiences as sources of creative advantage.
Cohort 2 of the Bosadi Artisans Fashion Design Business Start-up Programme
Nokulunga Masondo, a 2024 Fashion Design Cohort member, shared her journey with the new cohort, advising them to stay committed and not to take everything personally. She emphasised that success doesn’t rely on fancy equipment, but on heart, curiosity and courage. In conclusion, she reminded the cohort members that fashion is about "vision, storytelling and impact".
True transformation, instilling confidence and breaking down barriers
Commenting on the upcoming showcase, Christina Rhodes, Principal of Oakfields College, proudly reflected on the growth of the first cohort, noting their transformation from nervous beginners to confident designers, with some even launching their own businesses. She emphasised that this fulfilled the core purpose of the partnership between Inhlanyelo Hub and Oakfields College.
Celebratory cake-cutting ceremony at the launch of cohort 2: From left, Frankie Mojapelo, Director: Unisa Foundation and Alumni Relations; Prof Thomas Mogale, Chairperson of the Board, Inhlanyelo Hub NPC; Christina Rhodes, Principal of Oakfields College; Prof Raphael Mpofu, CEO, Inhlanyelo Hub NPC; and Makuka Mathatho, Acting Programme Manager and UCDP Manager: Project Management Office
Prof Annemarie Davis, Project Leader at Inhlanyelo Hub, highlighted that the programme is funded through a R24 million grant from the University Capacity Development Programme (UCDP) over three years. She underscored that the programme’s primary goal is to break down barriers for women in education and entrepreneurship, making opportunities more inclusive and accessible.
A journey like no other
As part of their journey, participants in the upcoming showcase took part in the Inhlanyelo Hub Ide8tion workshop, which helped refine their business concepts and align their creative aspirations with practical execution. They will display the fashion attire items that they have worked on and present their fashion business start-up aspirations.
Unisa takes immense pride in this initiative, demonstrating the university’s commitment to student entrepreneurship and social transformation.
Click here for more information on Inhlanyelo Hub and its programmes.
* Submitted by Inhlanyelo Hub
Publish date: 2025-07-25 00:00:00.0
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