Acclaimed designer Gert-Johan Coetzee has announced the continuation of his Fashion Design Bursary into 2024, demonstrating a strong dedication to fostering South Africa's emerging design talent.
The annual initiative that has been shaping the future of South African fashion since its inception in 2009 has become synonymous with fashion education and career empowerment.
The bursary offers a unique opportunity for one deserving individual to embark on a comprehensive three-year fashion journey at Gert-Johan Coetzee’s alma mater.
The recipient will delve into a curriculum designed to cultivate technical prowess, conceptual creativity, and industry acumen under the guidance of seasoned professionals.
Coetzee has always explained that the bursary is important because it is his way of passing the torch to the next generation.
“Throughout my career, I have been privileged to receive all the opportunities I have, and I see it as a responsibility to honour this and to be able to pass down the mantle; it evokes wonderful memories of seeing these eager, young, talented individuals arrive at my studio for mentorship and seeing them go on to become a success story.”
Over the years, this esteemed scholarship has helped recipients begin successful careers in the fast-paced field of fashion in addition to offering them a thorough education.
Previous beneficiaries are now employed by well-known designers and fashion houses, seasoned industry experts with their own clientele, stylists, and bloggers, and positively influencing the constantly changing South African fashion landscape.
Currently honing their abilities at the academy to leave their distinct mark on the profession are Junior Skhosana (2023), Basetsana Maloleka (2022), and Marumo Malepe (2021), 2017’s Yaseen Pinetown is one of the previous winners.
Skhosana highlights the importance of sustainable design methods and shares her desire to close this gap through creative design thinking when talking about the present difficulties facing the profession.
She is determined to utilise her unique perspective and make a significant impact in the industry by furthering her education at the North-West School of Design.
The bursary package in 2024 is worth R200 000 and comes with a laptop, a cutting-edge Bernina sewing machine, and full tuition fees — all necessary instruments for the aspirant designer’s journey.
Applications for the 2025 bursary are open from July 15 and close on September 10.
The Star
anita.nkonki@inl.co.za