NWSD NEWS
AUGUST 2024 NEWSLETTER
GERT-JOHAN COETZEE FASHION DESIGN BURSARY
Celebrated fashion luminary Gert-Johan Coetzee proudly announces the continuation of his esteemed Fashion Design Bursary into 2024, marking another milestone in his ongoing commitment to nurturing South Africa’s emerging design talent. Established in 2009 and hosted annually at the North-West School of Design, this transformative bursary has become synonymous with fashion education and career empowerment.
The Gert-Johan Coetzee Fashion Design 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. Reflecting on the significance of the bursary, Coetzee remarked – “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.”
Previous winners, include Yaseen Pinetown who won in 2017, Junior Skhosana (2023), Basetsana Maloleka (2022), and Marumo Malepe (2021) are currently at the academy enhancing their skills to make their unique mark on the industry. When discussing the current challenges faced by the field, Junior emphasizes the significance of sustainable design practices and expresses his aspiration to address this gap through innovative design thinking. He remains committed to his authentic approach and believes that furthering his education at the North-West School of Design will enable him to leverage his unique perspective and make a meaningful impact on the industry.
In 2024, the bursary package is valued at R200,000 and includes full tuition fees, a laptop sponsored by the Computer Shop, and a state-of-the-art Bernina sewing
machine, essential tools for the aspiring designer’s journey. Applications for the 2025 Gert-Johan Coetzee Bursary open on 15 July 2024mand close on the 10 th of September 2024.
To enter the bursary visit the following link:
NWSD ALUMNI SHINES BRIGHT ON THE MISS SA STAGE
The entire NWSD family is beaming with pride as our talented graduates dazzled the Miss South Africa 2024 stage with their breathtaking creations. The Miss SA 2024 competition, held on August 10th at the SunBet Arena for its 66th pageant finale, was a spectacular showcase of beauty, fashion, and innovation.
A special thank you goes out to Gert-Johan Coetzee, Anel Botha Couture, and Jolache Couture for elevating the NWSD legacy to new heights. Their stunning gowns were more than just fashion statements—they were symbols of South Africa’s strength, beauty, and creativity.
Mia le Roux from Cape Town, Western Cape, was crowned Miss South Africa 2024 in a magnificent Anel Botha gown, embodying elegance and grace.
The opening sequence was equally mesmerizing, with Gert-Johan Coetzee’s gowns blending tradition and technology to create a narrative of innovation and empowerment. His designs are not just garments; they are a reflection of the pride and resilience of South Africa and its people. The NWSD community celebrates this momentous occasion, as our alumni continue to make their mark on one of the country’s most prestigious stages.
SPECIAL FEATURE
FACE OF NWSD 2024 WINNERS
NWSD Announces Winners of the 3rd Annual FACE of NWSD Competition
The North West School of Design (NWSD) is thrilled to announce the winners of the 3rd Annual FACE of NWSD competition. After an exciting and closely contested Facebook poll, Segomotso Mokgojwa and Henrico Jackson have emerged as the new Faces of NWSD.
The FACE of NWSD competition is an annual event that celebrates our full-time students. This year, the competition saw an overwhelming response from our Facebook community, with numerous votes which helped us in selecting our winners.
The winners, Segomotso Mokgojwa and Henrico Jackson, will now serve as the official brand ambassadors for NWSD, representing the school in various marketing campaigns and events. Stay tuned for their upcoming appearances in our marketing campaigns and events. We believe they will bring a fresh and dynamic perspective to our brand, embodying the spirit and excellence of NWSD.
NWSD HOSTS INSPIRING FASHION TALK WITH ESTEEMED GRADUATES
August 7, 2024 – The North West School of Design (NWSD) recently hosted an engaging and inspiring Fashion Talk to the fulltime and part time fashion students who has started with their exciting, stressful journey of developing their Platinum Fashion Festival Collections.
This event highlighted the invaluable experiences and insights from the graduates who made up the industry panel. Our former students, who have successfully navigated the stress, deadlines, and exhilarating moments of showcasing industry-standard collections, shared their personal journeys—the highs, the lows, and the transformative moments. With funny anecdotes, inspiring stories, and reflections on how the Platinum Fashion Festival has shaped them into the designers they are today, their firsthand experiences resonated deeply with our students.
This motivation is invaluable as our students work toward their own creative milestones. A heartfelt thank you to our graduates for leaving a lasting impact on our aspiring designers. The panel consisted of the following NWSD graduates: Kobus Rautenbach, Kalib Monroe, Mpho Lekhoaba, Anke van der Merwe, Lisa-Marie Le Roux, and Palesa Satterthwaite. “We are incredibly grateful to our graduates for sharing their journeys and inspiring our current students,” said Marlene Oosthuizen, Head of Institution at NWSD. “Their stories of perseverance and success provide a powerful motivation for our students as they work on their own collections for the Platinum Fashion Festival.”
THE 2024 PLATINUM FASHION FESTIVAL
Get ready for the most anticipated event of the year as the Platinum Fashion Festival returns to Klerksdorp on November 16, 2024, at 18:00. Following the overwhelming success of last year’s sold-out festival, this year promises to be even more spectacular.
Themed ART VORTEX: INFINITE TECHNIQUES, the festival will explore the limitless possibilities where fashion meets art and technology. Expect a dazzling display of creativity, where designers push the boundaries of traditional techniques to create visionary styles that are as much art as they are fashion.
Join us in Klerksdorp for an evening that will redefine the future of fashion. The Platinum Fashion Festival is where art and innovation collide, and this is one event you won’t want to miss.
A NEW ERA OF STUDENT AND STAFF WELL-BEING
INTRODUCING THE NWSD WELLNESS CLINIC:
We are thrilled to announce the launch of the groundbreaking NWSD Wellness Clinic—a project that holds immense significance for us. As a small private college, NWSD has consistently exceeded expectations, and this exclusive service is no exception. The clinic provides a safe, private space on college premises for students and staff to receive medical attention.
Services Offered:
- First Aid Care: Immediate assistance for minor injuries or health concerns.
- Student Counselling: A supportive environment for mental well-being.
- Regular Medical Screening: Ensuring proactive health management.
- Medical Consultations
- Family Planning
- Over-the-Counter Medication Packs
- Opening of Patient Files at Klerksdorp Hospital
The clinic is overseen by Sister Naledi Tlhako and our in-house Health & Safety team, who promptly report any incidents or concerns to the Head of Institution (HOI).
Appointment Scheduling: Students can schedule appointments with Sister Naledi for:
- Diagnosis
- Sick Notes
- Testing
- Specialized Assistance
- Counselling Related to Individual Health Needs
- Maintenance of Health Records
Medication Packs: Sister Naledi has devised a system for students to obtain over-the-counter medication packs from the clinic. Our in-house first aid representative, trained by Sister Naledi, assesses medication needs and dispenses appropriate medications. These packs cover common issues such as pain, colds, flu, allergies, nausea, diarrhoea, and menstrual cramps.
Collaboration with Shout-It-Now: Shout-It-Now visits our students monthly to provide:
- General and HIV Counselling
- Sexual Health Guidance
- HIV Screening
- PrEP and ARV Medication Support
- Family Planning
This initiative is supported by Klerksdorp Hospital and Sister Naledi, who will host monthly family planning days to assist our staff and students with issuing contraceptive medications and conducting family planning and reproductive health consultations.
We are excited about the positive impact the NWSD Wellness Clinic will have on our community and look forward to supporting the health and well-being of our students andstaff.
WHY CHOOSE NWSD?
NWSD, founded by award-winning Fashion Entrepreneur Marlene Oosthuizen, has celebrated 26 years of training top designers and fashion professionals. Accredited by the British Accreditation Council (BAC) as an International Centre, NWSD ensures a quality-assured approach to teaching and learning, providing students with a better platform to launch their careers in the fashion industry.
Visitors are welcome on any academic day of the year for assistance with the application and registration process. For more information, please visit our website or contact our Admissions Office at admissions@nwsd.co.za.
Don’t miss this opportunity to join the second intake of our Part-Time Fashion Design Course and embark on a creative journey with NWSD!
