“VUT hosted the Fashion Without Borders Masterclass, inspiring students with creativity, resilience, and entrepreneurship in the fashion industry.”
01 October 2025 | Story By: Tshepiso Kaibe | Picture: Peter Masela
2 minutes read time.
The Vaal University of Technology (VUT) came alive on 19 September 2025 as the campus hosted the second Fashion Without Borders (FWB) Masterclass, a collaboration between the international FWB platform, VUT’s Department of Student Life and Governance, and the Centre for Academic Development. More than just a workshop, the event was a celebration of creativity, resilience, and opportunity, underscoring that fashion is both an art and a business.
Opening the dialogue, VUT fashion lecturer Mrs Charlene van Schalkwyk welcomed delegates and encouraged students to think globally about the opportunities their craft could unlock. Mr Musa Mpanza, Director of Student Life and Governance, linked the masterclass to VUT’s Strategy 2033+, urging students to embrace entrepreneurship as a tool to solve challenges and uplift their communities.
The platform then opened to a line-up of dynamic voices from the fashion and creative industries:
- Ms Akhona Sihlobo, VUT alumna and founder of House of Akhona, shared how she transformed discarded fabrics into her first collection. She encouraged students to persist, ask questions, and showcase their work through fashion shows.
- Ms Sarah Notsi, founder of House of Sarah Fashion House and one of the first black students in VUT’s fashion programme (1991), advised students to build strong identities and people skills, noting that authenticity underpins brand longevity.
- Mr Paul Maleke, founder of PM Luxurious Wrap, demonstrated how reinvention is possible by pivoting from Computer Science into automotive wrapping and marketing. He reminded students to introduce themselves boldly as their brand.
- Ms Refiloe Moloto, founder of Mint Mansion, turned failure into innovation with the creation of Nalete, an app that streamlines production and connects talent in the fashion industry, proving that resilience fuels creativity.
- Ms Andiswa Manxina, international model and award-winning producer, highlighted the importance of mental health, identity, and authenticity in sustaining a long-term career.
- Ms Surprise Thabethe, a second-year VUT student, illustrated that determination has no age limit, urging peers to use campus resources and seize opportunities early.
- Ms Charmaine Moola from Nedbank concluded with practical financial guidance, reminding students that creativity must be paired with financial literacy to sustain businesses.
The masterclass provided students with a candid view of the fashion industry while aligning with VUT’s mission to cultivate innovators and leaders who shape both sectors and communities. It was a day of inspiration, mentorship, and empowerment, clear proof that the runway extends beyond garments into entrepreneurship, resilience, and vision. The Fashion Without Borders Masterclass was also aligned with the Studentpreneur Pop-up Market 2025 gig guide, encouraging entrepreneurship among our students.