19 Jul 2016

Gaborone’s Independence Avenue Street was brought to a halt as fashion show competition finals for the President’s day competitions blazed, with the models hitting the catwalk amid the lights, glamour and action, thanks to Ministry of Youth Sport and Culture.

The fashionist paired clean, urban styles with traditional batiks and designs inspired by ancient temples signalling our heritage foothold in the fashion market as the country celebrates its golden jubilee

The show was divided into three categories being explicitly, the dress makers, fashion designers and models.

Giving keynote address, the Minister of Education and Skills Development, Dr Unity Dow said as  Batswana are celebrating 50 years of independence, the government, recognised the fashion industry as an emerging sector that can contribute significantly to the economy.

 “In most developed countries, the fashion industry is one of the major contributors to the economy and it is a major source of employment. Our deepest desire as government is to see the fashion industry carving its niche in the sectors which contribute to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP),” she expressed.

Dr Dow added that it was undisputable that fashion and indeed fashion design the world over, was one cultural tourism activities which draw people to countries to appreciate local design works and hence needed to be supported and expanded.

“It has great potential to create employment for designers, models, make-up artists and many other trades,” she highlighted.

Meanwhile, Phomolo Mmualefhe from Sojwe, who was identified by President Dr Lt Gen. Seretse Khama Ian Khama recently during the handing over of the 600^th house for presidential housing appeal programme, was given a sewing machine by Timber and Black Trash Clothing pledged to mentor the boy until he is fully capable and ready to use it well. ENDS