The DUT Centre for Social Entrepreneurship in partnership with WearSA recently hosted the DUT Runway Fashion show at Sastri College.

The aim of the DUT Runway Fashion show was to promote and develop the local fashion and the clothing and textile industry. It was hosted for the very first time for DUT and the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN). The University of Cape Town (UCT) and University of Western Cape (UWC) in Cape Town hosted it last year (2018). It was then suggested that DUT’s Centre for Social Entrepreneurship on recommendation by UWC should host the 2019 event.

The main sponsor for this event was the South African Clothing and Textile Workers Union through WearSA.

The marketing officer from the Department of Centre for Social Entrepreneurship, Snelisiwe Hlongwane said: “The Fashion Show was a culmination of efforts from students at DUT who collaborated to plan and showcase the talent at DUT. The show was a huge success and the students brought down the house,” said an elated Hlongwane.

Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research Innovation and Engagement, Professor Sibusiso Moyo said: “I believe that this event in partnership with WearSA has helped DUT in many ways in terms of presenting our fashion and textiles students so that we can create job opportunities for them. The Centre for Social Entrepreneurship at DUT provides such an opportunity for these students. I would like to also acknowledge Professor Poppet Pillay for all the work she and her team have done,” she said.

The money generated from the Fashion Show tickets sales was donated towards the Alumni Bursary Fund. Apart from the show, Katekani Moreku, a Fashion and Textiles student won R1500 for being the best dressed on the show.

Hlongwane also encouraged the DUT students to apply via the website, www.cseri.co.za for incubation and support to set up and develop their own businesses.

Pictured: DUT Students showcasing their work at the event.

Nomkhuleko Thutshini