Johannesburg, South Africa – Inhlanyelo Hub introduced the Bosadi Fashion Design Startup Programme, an initiative aiming to empower South Africa’s budding fashion designers by merging creative fashion design with business startup training.
The Bosadi Fashion Design Startup Programme is designed to bridge the gap between traditional fashion education and entrepreneurial skills, providing participants with comprehensive tools to turn their creativity into thriving businesses.
Inhlanyelo Hub’s latest programme collaborates closely with the University of South Africa (Unisa), specifically recruiting students and alumni from Unisa’s Bachelor of Consumer Science in Fashion Retail Management and Fashion Small-Business Management, offered by the College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences (CAES).
This partnership underscores the commitment of both institutions to foster job creation and economic development through innovative educational models.
Championing Inclusion and Entrepreneurship
Professor Raphael Mpofu, CEO of the Inhlanyelo Hub NPC, emphasized the initiative’s role in promoting inclusivity and diversity in South Africa’s workforce. “At Inhlanyelo Hub, we have identified industries and careers where we can promote inclusion and diversity,” said Mpofu. “We work hard to create springboards for our Unisa graduates to use their degrees to create opportunities for business startups.” The Bosadi programme is one of the Hub’s key responses to rising graduate unemployment, equipping young designers with both practical skills and business acumen to succeed.
Blending Creativity with Business Savvy
The programme’s official launch featured a compelling address by Professor Thomas Mogale, Chairperson of the Inhlanyelo Hub Board, who encouraged participants to embrace an entrepreneurial mindset. “Fashion is dynamic,” he stated, highlighting that success in the fashion world requires both technical prowess and a keen sense of innovation. The Bosadi programme is designed to empower participants with these qualities by offering hands-on experience in fashion design, garment construction, and business strategy.
Structured to nurture a balance of creative and entrepreneurial skills, the Bosadi programme combines coursework and mentorship to help participants understand not only how to create unique fashion pieces but also how to manage a sustainable business. This dual focus aligns with the broader objectives of the Entrepreneurship Development in Higher Education (EDHE), which aims to stimulate entrepreneurial growth within South Africa’s higher education sector, contributing to job creation and economic upliftment through student-led ventures.
A Platform for Young Black Female Entrepreneurs
The programme’s primary focus is to empower young black women in South Africa with a passion for fashion and business. While open to all, Bosadi targets aspiring designers who have little to no formal background in fashion design, as well as those with foundational knowledge looking to expand their skills. By addressing an industry that is traditionally difficult to enter without significant resources, the Bosadi programme aims to open doors for young women in a field that combines creativity with practical enterprise.
Inaugural Cohort: A Bright Future for South African Fashion
The first cohort consists of 15 promising young women selected based on their business pitches to a panel of fashion experts and industry leaders. This diverse group of Unisa students and alumni represents the next wave of fashion innovators, committed to transforming their ideas into viable business ventures. During their orientation, they participated in Inhlanyelo Hub’s Ide8tion workshop, a platform that facilitated the exploration and refinement of their business concepts.
Busisiwe Mavuso from BM Touch served as a guest speaker at the launch, sharing her experiences in the industry and emphasizing resilience in the face of challenges. Mavuso’s advice encouraged participants to embrace continuous learning and to view setbacks as opportunities for growth, a vital perspective in the competitive world of fashion and entrepreneurship.
Fostering Growth Through Strategic Partnerships
The Bosadi programme exemplifies the power of collaborative initiatives aimed at sustainable development. With the support of CAES at Unisa, Inhlanyelo Hub’s focus on entrepreneurship extends beyond just theoretical learning, encompassing hands-on experience, mentorship, and networking. This multi-faceted approach enables young designers not only to succeed individually but to contribute to South Africa’s economy as a whole by creating employment opportunities.
Moreover, by offering ongoing access to Inhlanyelo Hub’s incubation resources and tailored business training, the programme provides an ecosystem where participants can grow, adapt, and innovate continuously.
Looking Ahead: A Gateway to Economic Transformation
Inhlanyelo Hub’s Bosadi Fashion Design Startup Programme represents a forward-thinking approach to tackling youth unemployment and promoting economic empowerment. With the success of its first cohort, the programme is expected to attract more applicants eager to make their mark in the fashion industry.
Applications are now open for the second cohort, offering another group of aspiring designers a chance to join this impactful programme. This ongoing recruitment speaks to the programme’s commitment to fostering a pipeline of young entrepreneurs capable of leading South Africa’s fashion industry into the future.
How to Apply
Prospective participants interested in the second cohort of the Bosadi Fashion Design Startup Programme can submit their applications through Inhlanyelo Hub’s website.
Key Highlights of the Bosadi Fashion Design Startup Programme
- Focus: Combines fashion design education with entrepreneurship training.
- Target Audience: Primarily young black female Unisa students and alumni in the fashion field.
- Objective: Foster business skills, reduce unemployment, and promote diversity in the fashion industry.
- Programme Components: Includes coursework, mentorship, incubation resources, and entrepreneurial training.
- Current Recruitment: Applications open for the second cohort.
Through the Bosadi programme, Inhlanyelo Hub and its partners are paving the way for a vibrant and inclusive fashion industry that uplifts local talent and empowers young entrepreneurs. As young South African designers and entrepreneurs gain the skills to launch and sustain their ventures, they are set to make significant contributions to the nation’s economy and cultural landscape.
For more information, visit www.inhlanyelohub.com.
