AFROLECTIONS
Soweto is an urban township in the southwest of Johannesburg . The significance of the community is unique in many ways . It can be called the place of gold since it borders the mining belt of the city of gold- Johannesburg . Two of South African and global icons and Nobel Peace prize winners Dr . Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Emeritus Tutu were once residents of Soweto and their houses stand on the prominent Vilakazi street till date . Soweto can thus be said to be the producers of gold and great people . The narratives above also speak to the annual Soweto Fashion Week . The event provides big platform for over 18 local fashion designers from different communities in South Africa and other parts of Africa . It also offers empowering opportunity to more than 70 young and upcoming models as well as musical talents and other performers in the week-long event . As the organisers of the event put it ; “ we are all about empowering young designers . They deserve the opportunity to grow , and to be given the platform to express their artworks .” Although , some observers have raised questions that the models are just being used for organisers ’ selfish ends , and so recommended that models should be paid some token to cover their personal costs of participation . The fashion event organisers noted that they are not at the point to offer financial rewards . “ We don ’ t have the budget yet . It is not really a challenge but we are going to get to a point where we can pay them , but for now it is all about empowerment ; that is what we stand for .” Yet , the organisers of Soweto Fashion Week insisted that the show offers more values over and above financial rewards such as exposure and experience as well as facilitating designers into the fashion business market . “ So , we want to push everyone in the best way we can . We are not yet in the position where we can pay models , but we give opportunity , exposure and experience . We are also facilitating getting the media , buyers and designers that can help them grow .” From skinny divas , plus size , people with disabilities and kid models to ‘ ekasi ’ performers such as the acapella group – the Teboho-led Sound of Tembisa and a Rap group- Waka , Soweto Fashion Week was event of exciting variety and opportunities . Some of the designers who exhibited their collection at the show included Majorsteez , Nokwakha , Dida Clothiers , Kasi Vibes and NDK Studio .
AFROLECTIONS MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2017 15