News & Media
Inhlanyelo Hub and Oakfields College forge pathways for young fashion entrepreneurs
In a groundbreaking initiative to foster entrepreneurial spirit among budding fashion designers, Oakfields College and Inhlanyelo Hub recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). This collaboration aims to pave the way for fashion students to transform their creative skills into thriving businesses.
Amo Marengwa, Learning Coordinator, Inhlanyelo Hub; Phumelele Mokoena, Incubation Services Manager, Inhlanyelo Hub; Prof Annemarie Davis, Project Leader, Inhlanyelo Hub; Nicole Finney, Director Oakfields College; Prof Raphael Mpofu, CEO, Inhlanyelo Hub; Suzan Nyathi, Administrator, Inhlanyelo Hub; Christina Rhodes, Principal: Oakfields College, Lynwood; and Bongeka Boyana, Administrator, Inhlanyelo Hub
Oakfields College is a post-school tertiary college that offers students the opportunity to realise their potential in a dynamic, creative environment. Students obtain valuable skills in their craft, learn to think critically about the creative arts, and develop entrepreneurial skills to start, build and grow their businesses, contribute to the economy and eventually create employment for others. Their students are inspired to produce diverse, ambitious and exciting works, ranging from traditional art forms to innovative new media, within a caring, mentoring and student-focused learning environment.
Prof Raphael Mpofu, CEO of Inhlanyelo Hub (right) and Nicole Finney, Director: Oakfields College
Through the MOU, the candidates will receive comprehensive fashion design training, including textiles, fabric manipulation and garment construction skills. The fashion design training also incorporates the Inhlaneylo Hub’s Ide8tion Programme, which encourages participants to think outside their vocation and see the opportunities in business start-ups.
The Fashion Design Business Start-Up Programme is scheduled to commence in September 2024, with applications opening on 5 August. The programme welcomes young men and women eager to transform their passion for fashion into viable businesses. The selection process includes a one-day orientation session for brainstorming business ideas, culminating in a formal pitch to a panel.
Inhlanyelo Hub plans to enrol 15 young people per programme, specifically focusing on empowering black South Africans through their pre-incubation strategy. Once selected, student entrepreneurs will enter an incubation phase, receiving ongoing support to launch and manage their businesses successfully. This collaboration marks a significant step in empowering young fashion designers, providing them with the tools and support to turn their creative visions into reality.
For more information on Inhlanyelo Hub and its programmes, visit: https://inhlanyelohub.com/en/
*Submitted by Inhlanyelo Hub
Publish date: 2024/08/01
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