Inhlanyelo Hub launches fashion design startup programme

On 23 October 2024, Inhlanyelo Hub launched the Bosadi Fashion Design Startup Programme, which integrates fashion design with a business startup focus.

Recruiting participants among Unisa students and alumni, the initiative is designed to benefit those who have studied toward a qualification in the Bachelor of Consumer Science Fashion Retail Management and Fashion Small-Business Management, offered by Unisa’s College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences (CAES). As a key collaborator in this programme, CAES provides academic support, while the Hub offers entrepreneurship training and incubation resources to foster business growth.

“At Inhlanyelo Hub, we have identified industries and careers where we can promote inclusion and diversity,” says Professor Raphael Mpofu, CEO of the Inhlanyelo Hub NPC. “We work hard to create springboards for our Unisa graduates to use their degrees to create opportunities for business startups.”. The Bosadi Fashion Design Startup Programme is one example of their initiatives to counter the impact of graduate unemployment.

During the official launch, Professor Thomas Mogale, Chairperson of the Inhlanyelo Hub Board, said: “Fashion is dynamic”. His address to the participants reminded them about the possibilities of entrepreneurial mindsets. Fashion design is a rapidly evolving industry, and young designers need to be equipped with both technical skills and innovative approaches to stand out in the competitive market.

(From left) Willem Du Plessis, Executive Director: Finance, Prof Thomas Mogale, Chairperson: Inhlanyelo Hub NPC Board, Nicole Finney, Director: Oakfields College, Prof Raphael Mpofu, CEO: Inhlanyelo Hub NPC, Christina Rhodes, Principal: Oakfields College, Dr Tapiwa Muzata, Chief Operating Officer: Inhlanyelo Hub, and Nomsa Nkabinde, Executive Assistant

The Bosadi Fashion Design Startup Programme is crafted to address this need by combining comprehensive education in fashion design with entrepreneurial training, enabling participants to not only create unique fashion pieces but also build sustainable businesses. 

This programme aligns with the Entrepreneurship Development in Higher Education (EDHE) goals of fostering entrepreneurship in South Africa's higher education system and contributes to the creation of wealth and job opportunities through student-led enterprises. 

While this programme is inclusive of both male and female participants, it primarily targets young black female fashion students, aspiring designers, and creative individuals with little to no background in fashion design, as well as those with basic knowledge who wish to expand their skills in garment construction and design innovation. 

The first cohort of the Bosadi Fashion Design Startup Programme comprises 15 young women who were selected through pitching their business ideas in the fashion industry to a selection panel. This group includes a diverse group of Unisa students and graduates. As part of the orientation, the participants attended the Inhlanyelo Hub Ide8tion workshop, which helped them to formulate ideas for new ventures.

Guest speaker, Busisiwe Mavuso from BM Touch, offered a motivational message that reminded participants to be open to learning, and if they experience failure, to learn from it and get up.

The first cohort of Bosadi Fashion Design Startup Programme

The Bosadi Artisans Fashion Design Startup Programme is a vital initiative to foster entrepreneurship and fashion innovation among young black women in South Africa. Through this programme, Inhlanyelo Hub and Oakfields College will empower participants to become successful fashion designers and entrepreneurs, contributing to economic growth and societal transformation. 

Recruitment for the second cohort of the Bosadi Fashion Design Startup Programme is now open. Applications can be submitted by clicking here.

For more information on Inhlanyelo Hub and its programmes, go to www.inhlanyelohub.com

* Submitted by Inhlanyelo Hub