Clothing and Textile Studies

Ms Roz Havenga

Email: RozH@dut.ac.za

Ms Reshma Sewpersadh

Email: ReshmaS@dut.ac.za

Tel: 031 373 2812

Fax: 031 373 2876

Location: Steve Biko Campus, S6 L4

The department of Clothing and Textile Studies came about after the merger of the departments of Clothing Technology and Textile Technology in October 2007.  The department was awarded “Centre of Excellence” status by the Clothing, Textiles, Footwear and Leather Sector Education and Training Authority (CTFL SETA) in 2002.  The KZN Clothing and Textile Industry Training Unit, delivering short courses, learnerships and in-house training to the industry is incorporated in the department.

Clothing and Textile Studies Handbook

Ms Roz Havenga

 

There is a high employment demand from formal clothing manufacturers and retailers in South Africa. The clothing industry has been identified as a high growth area supplying many new jobs opportunities. Technologists, managers and motivators are needed in this field. The course uses the principles of outcomes based education, where the student is required to prove competency in all areas of the programme. 

Subject areas are comprehensively integrated and are assessed using course marks alone. This means that a student must show consistent growth in knowledge and skills in order to succeed. The subject areas are designed to "grow" the student in a personal capacity, and to promote his or her entrepreneurial development and abilities, as well as to gain the technical knowledge required.

Mr Akbar Fassihi

Email: AFassihi@dut.ac.za 

Nature of Work 
Textile Technology is concerned with the manufacture of fabrics but covers the entire spectrum from raw materials (both natural and synthetic) through various yarn and fabric manufacturing routes to the dyeing and finishing of fabrics, engineering of machineries and product development. Apparel, household and industrial fabrics are studied in detail from production, technical and constructional aspects.
 

Working Conditions
The textile industry, to a great extent, has been modernised and, therefore, working conditions are good, with challenging opportunities in the field of fabric manufacture. A Textile Technologist may work in a textile mill or factory, a laboratory, or for a retailer.
 

Personal Qualities Required
Textile Technology involves team work, therefore, one needs to be able to work and co-operate with colleagues. A scientific background is important as well as an aptitude for design work. It is necessary to have a working knowledge and understanding of the basics of textiles..