“VUT fashion graduate Rirhandzu Nobunga showcases excellence with an award-winning corporate blazer reflecting modern African professionalism and design innovation.”
10 February 2026 | Story by: Nontobeko Moimane | Picture by: Peter Masela
Fashion is more than aesthetics; it is a disciplined craft that blends purpose, functionality and identity. Ms Rirhandzu Nobunga, a graduate of the Vaal University of Technology (VUT), recently completed her Advanced Diploma in Fashion Design. This journey culminated in the creation of a winning corporate blazer that reflects a modern African professional identity.
Ms Nobunga describes her academic journey at VUT as transformative, equipping her with both the technical expertise and conceptual grounding required to thrive in the competitive fashion industry. “My journey at VUT strengthened my technical, research and garment construction skills, motivating me to refine my professional design approach further,” said Ms Nobunga.
The principles of professionalism, functionality and contemporary African corporate expression inspired her award-winning blazer. Through rigorous research and design development, she sought to strike a balance between creativity and the practical demands of corporate wear, a challenge she acknowledges required discipline and precision.
“The training in tailoring, pattern making and design development enabled me to execute the design successfully,” Ms Nobunga explained. “One of the key lessons from the programme was attention to detail and purposeful design, understanding that every design decision must serve a function.”
Balancing creativity with strict corporate requirements and multiple academic deadlines proved demanding. However, Ms Nobunga credits careful planning, research, and persistence for helping her achieve a refined, polished final product. “Despite the pressure, I learned to trust the process. The result was not only a garment, but a professional statement,” Ms Nobunga noted.
Having her design selected as the winning corporate blazer was a defining moment in her academic career. “It was an enriching experience. It affirmed my abilities and strengthened my confidence as a designer. More importantly, it motivated me to pursue my future career goals with greater determination,” said Ms Nobunga.
Ms Nobunga’s design philosophy is rooted in clean lines, structured silhouettes and contemporary styling, reflecting her commitment to timeless yet relevant fashion. Her work demonstrates how technical excellence, cultural awareness and innovation can coexist in modern design.
As she looks ahead, Ms Nobunga hopes to continue refining her professional identity and contributing meaningfully to the fashion and creative industries. She also offers words of encouragement to aspiring designers: “Remain committed, trust the process and continuously develop your skills. Growth comes from discipline, patience and believing in your vision.”
Ms Nobunga’s success stands as a testament to VUT’s role in nurturing industry-ready graduates who combine creativity with technical competence, positioning them to make a lasting impact in their chosen fields.