Unisa’s Inhlanyelo Hub NPC, in partnership with Oakfields College, hosted a showcase of the work of the first cohort of the Bosadi Artisan Fashion Design Business Start-up Programme on Saturday 26 July 2025, at Kievits Kroon, Tshwane.

Setting the scene for the spectacular evening, Dr Tapiwa Muzata, Chief Operations Officer of Inhlanyelo Hub NPC, stated that the hub is deeply committed to initiatives that empower young people, especially women, with sustainable business ideas that are future-focused through innovation and entrepreneurship.

Dr Tapiwa Muzata and Prof Raphael Mpofu, respectively, Chief Operations Officer and Chief Executive Officer of Inhlanyelo Hub NPC

Muzata remarked that the evening marked a significant milestone in the creativity, collaboration and empowerment journey that Inhlanyelo Hub NPC started in 2023.

Muzata explained the nature of the programme, while non-profitmaking by design, he said, "is a comprehensive platform that fosters economic empowerment for women through the fusion of design, expertise and potential business acumen. Conceived and led by Inhlanyelo Hub NPC, this programme targets young Unisa women students who study subjects in consumer sciences, fashion, retail management, and small business management, among others."

"In this programme," detailed Muzata, "we address a critical gap. While fashion is often seen as a creative endeavour, its long-term success depends on entrepreneurial skills and sustainable business strategies imparted by Inhlanyelo NPC to the participants."

Muzata expressed his appreciation of the hub's hard-working young fashion designer participants, stating: "The celebration tonight is for you. Your creativity and entrepreneurial spirit are the true driving forces behind tonight’s showcase."

Possibilities without limits

Prof Raphael Mpofu, Chief Executive Officer of Inhlanyelo Hub NPC, noted the significant strides made by the designers and organisers of the event. Addressing the guests, he said: "I want you to feel inspired and empowered by everything you’ve witnessed. This isn’t just a showcase of beautiful designs – it’s the unveiling of a new chapter in South Africa’s story, one where young Black women rise to become creators, entrepreneurs and global changemakers. Imagine the collections you’ve seen tonight gracing boutiques in Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban, and on the high streets of Paris, Milan and New York. Imagine garments proudly bearing the 'Made in South Africa' label, crafted with passion, heritage and innovation."

Mpofu explained that at the Inhlanyelo Hub NPC, "we believe in possibilities without limits. You, our graduates, are the architects of an entirely new supply chain: from fabric sourced on the continent, to ateliers led by women who know our soil, storie, and styles. You will bring to market clothing that speaks of African craftsmanship: bold prints, hand-woven textiles and sustainable processes that honour both people and planet. Global consumers are hungry for authenticity. They want the narrative behind each stitch: namely that you, a graduate of the programme, infused each seam with resilience, creativity and cultural pride."

Mpofu proceeded to address the incoming 2026 cohort: "The runway you prepare for isn’t merely an event - it’s the first step towards building a brand that could supply wardrobes from Soweto to Stockholm, from Durban to Dubai. Start today by imagining your customer, who could be a woman who celebrates her roots and embraces global style; a boutique owner who wants unique pieces with a story; a retailer looking to diversify with ethically produced lines. Your designs can fill that gap, creating economic opportunity not only for yourselves but for artisans, seamstresses, pattern‑makers, and factory workers across our continent."

Fashion design awardees

Nicole Finney, Director at Oakfields College, who partnered with Inhlanyelo Hub on the programme, confirmed its relevance and stated that it is not only a worthwhile programme, but one that can result in positive change towards empowering young Black women with innovative entrepreneurial skill sets.

Prof Annemarie Davis, Project Leader, Special Projects at Inhlanyelo Hub NPC, described her delight when she saw the pride in the eyes of the family members and the positive energy from the designers, realising the ripple effect of an opportunity created and accepted. She emphasised: "This immediately prompted me to start working on implementing the next level of the Bosadi Artisan Fashion Design Business Start-up Programme."

Organisers of the Bosadi Artisan Fashion Design Business Start-up Showcase, from left: Suzanna Nyathi, Junior Administrator; Neliswa Songca, Administrator; Bongeka Boyana, Administrator: Special Projects; Prof Annemarie Davis, Project Leader: Special Projects; Nomsa Nkabinde, Executive Assistant; and Thembeka Ntuli-Mpapama, Communication and Marketing Specialist, Gauteng Region

The event was attended by industry leaders, partners and fashion designers, including the founder of the House of Basadi, Lynette Johnson, the Pan-African Chamber of Commerce, members of the university’s executive and other fashion enthusiasts.

The milestone event aligns with Unisa’s Bosadi Catalytic Niche Area, which champions gender equity, economic inclusion and enterprise development for young Black women.

* By Godfrey Madibane, Acting Journalist, Department of Institutional Advancement, with additional reporting by the Unisa Media Affairs Office