27 Feb 2017

In anticipation of the annual Masa Fashion Show slated for October 21, Masa Square Hotel (MSH) has launched a game changing initiative; the MSH Fashion Mentorship Programme.

Officially launching the programme on February 23, Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry Vincent Seretse said MSH has evidently identified that Botswana’s economy stood to greatly benefit from supporting the growth of the country’s creative sector and that the fashion industry could become a key revenue generator.

The MSH Fashion Mentorship Programme, first of its kind in Botswana would see 12 budding fashion designers mentored by 12 more seasoned ones from the local industry.

The development follows four consecutive years of the Masa Fashion Show, with increasing attendance and revere from Batswana.

“We must take hold of such potential and support the growth of brilliant local minds who sell Botswana to the world through their artistry,” Minister Seretse said.

He indicated that the ministry’s core mandate encompassed, among others, creation of a conducive business environment, wealth and employment creation as well as economic diversification.

“In line with this mandate, we are essentially in the business of helping Batswana take advantage of opportunities that will in turn drive diversification of our economy. Among these opportunities include a chance for Botswana merchants to be profitable suppliers of goods and/or services through trading in domestic and foreign markets,” he said.

With this year’s theme crafted: 'Working Together to Grow Botswana’s Creative Industry," Seretse said the theme was timely and hit at the heart of the matter, which the nation had to embrace and make a mantra in order to move the country forward.

Lame Chilume (Switch Couture BW), Mothusi Lesolle (iZAURA), Tlamo Mosinyi (Bondphill), Kaone Moremong (House of Kay), Lesedi Matlapeng (Kefseddy Designs), Natasha Selelo (Tasha Creationz), Dikatso Motlapele and Anita Molosiwa (Eccentric Style Loft), Candida Tsheko (DihDah), Thabiso Dibeela (Thabie D Originals), Tanksio Mathware (Priestly), Aobakwe Molosiwa (Gilded Sands) and Delayna Scott (Delayna Scott Designs) are the 12 mentors chosen for the MSH Fashion Mentorship Programme.

Mentees include Boikanyo Molale, Thabiso Makwate, Katlego Moatshe, Pamela Ntshwarang, Lerang Keabile, Gomotsegang Dipuo, Tshepiso Abdulla, Ratanang Morontshe, Seatla Khutlo, Ratang Morontshe, Katlego Sengate, Temo Mpudi and Mpho Chepete.

For the next seven months leading up to the fashion show, the mentees would be tasked with designing an exclusive collection for the fashion show. MSH managing director, Gregory Soutter said the fashion industry, like the creative industry in general was at times overlooked.

“And there is evidently potential to realise from this industry, particularly in our country,” he said.

He said for the country to have a successful local economy, it was important for mentors from the public and private sector to invest in young professionals who were future industry leaders.

“The fashion industry is in actual fact one of the ways we can diversify our economy.

Harnessing potential of such industries as the creative arts can help us all work towards greater development to allow us to flourish for years to come.

Development of new industries, including fashion has a multiplier effect,” he said. ENDS