Designer creates chances for others

A PORT Elizabeth-based entrepreneur is welcoming sponsors and applications from formerly disadvantaged candidates aged 20 to 30 who are interested in taking part in a fashion entrepreneurship programme, free of charge.

The programme, initiated by Krom & Knot fashion designer Zola Booi, is a 10-month course consisting of basic skills development, theoretical and practical lessons in business management and garment construction.

Booi, 24, said it was open primarily to underprivileged persons in Port Elizabeth with no access to formal education in fashion or business.

“We’re basically looking for underprivileged people, even without matric, who are interested in a formal learning environment where they can get basic skills in fashion designing and business management.”

Booi said they would select 40 applicants for the garment construction module and 40 for the business management module to participate in the programme, set to begin early next year.

It will be divided into two segments for each module: a theoretical segment of 2½ months and a practical segment of another 2½ months.

The facilitator said the practical segments would include integrated learning through tests, assignments and debates.

At the end of the programme, two top performing learners will receive bursaries to study towards a National Diploma in Business Management and Fashion Designing and Retail Buying. The National Youth Development Agency will provide theoretical learning material for the programme.

“The bursary winners will be selected at the end based on who gets the most points from judges,” he said.

Born and bred in Lady Grey, Booi said he initiated the programme to open up opportunities for the underprivileged.

“I told myself I would dedicate my time and effort to present [to other people] all the opportunities I never had.”

The programme will be facilitated from the Port Elizabeth Damelin College campus.

Interested candidates and sponsors can contact Booi on 063-895-7606 or e-mail: