Fastrack Programme

AFI FastrackTM is an incubator programme, with a special emphasis on the Business of Fashion.

Our goal is to curate and propel emerging designers to become technically savvy and commercially

minded fashion entrepreneurs who incorporate sustainability into their work.

Programme Structure

Key Components

  1. Business Mentoring
  2. Educational Seminars
  3. Networking Opportunities
  4. Workspace

Focus Areas

  1. Skills Development
  2. Economic Development
  3. Sustainability

Workshops

  1. Business start up
  2. Marketing
  3. Entrepreneurship
  4. Principles of production, manufacturing and retail

AFI Fastrack Finalists 2023

Botshelo Molete
of Mekhukhu

A Sesotho word for shack – A type of small shelter or dwelling constructed by hand using available materials, such as abandoned construction debris, repurposed consumer waste and other useful, accessible, discarded objects.

Mekhukhu is a South African based contemporary fashion label founded by fashion designer Botshelo Molete. Known for its quirky print designs characterised by simple line drawings of faces, Mekhukhu embraces DIY elements such as appliqué by way of recycled fabric scraps, creating one of a kind collages. Molete’s use of design elements seeks to provoke feelings of optimism and playfulness. Mekhukhu supports women in their quest to be resilient and optimistic as they work through the stuff of life.

Follow Boshelo's Fastrack Journey Here :

Botshelo Molete
Brand: Mekhukhu (/miː kuː kuː/)

A Sesotho word for shack – A type of small shelter or dwelling constructed by hand using available materials, such as abandoned construction debris, repurposed consumer waste and other useful, accessible, discarded objects.

Mekhukhu is a South African based contemporary fashion label founded by fashion designer Botshelo Molete. Known for its quirky print designs characterised by simple line drawings of faces, Mekhukhu embraces DIY elements such as appliqué by way of recycled fabric scraps, creating one of a kind collages. Molete’s use of design elements seeks to provoke feelings of optimism and playfulness. Mekhukhu supports women in their quest to be resilient and optimistic as they work through the stuff of life.

Kgotsofalo Given Monyamate
of Articles from Mars

Articles from MARS is an gender- and age-inclusive brand.

While exceptional quality, attractiveness and functionality are priorities in the production of our garments and other articles, we aim to promote in our endeavours all four pillars of sustainability, viz. human, social, economic and environmental – all four at once if possible. We are a user-centred brand in both custom-made and ready-to-wear garments. We specialise in streetwear and formal and semi-formal looks. We relate to art as ‘therapy’, therefore we intend to incite designs, collaborations and displays that result in not only timeously effective but sentimental and evocative products and engagements.'

Follow Kgotsofalo's Fastrack Journey Here :

Kgotsofalo Given Monyamate
Brand: Articles From MARS

Articles from MARS is an gender- and age-inclusive brand.

While exceptional quality, attractiveness and functionality are priorities in the production of our garments and other articles, we aim to promote in our endeavours all four pillars of sustainability, viz. human, social, economic and environmental – all four at once if possible. We are a user-centred brand in both custom-made and ready-to-wear garments. We specialise in streetwear and formal and semi-formal looks. We relate to art as ‘therapy’, therefore we intend to incite designs, collaborations and displays that result in not only timeously effective but sentimental and evocative products and engagements.'

Loice Dube
of Lo’Ice

Loice founded the self-titled brand Lo’Ice in 2015 as an artistic expression of high street fashion, a space to continuously experiment with how clothes are worn in the current cultural landscape while looking to the future for inspiration.

Lo’Ice offers a look into African culture and heritage yet remaining accessible to a broad global audience. The brand offers clothes that enhance the everyday experience through bold and distinctive prints and sustainable fabrics with the aim to promote the kind of eco-consumerism that gives back to the earth, and to use technology as a vehicle to drive humanity towards the future.

Follow Loice's Fastrack Journey Here :

Loice Dube
Brand: Lo’Ice

Loice founded the self-titled brand Lo’Ice in 2015 as an artistic expression of high street fashion, a space to continuously experiment with how clothes are worn in the current cultural landscape while looking to the future for inspiration.

Lo’Ice offers a look into African culture and heritage yet remaining accessible to a broad global audience. The brand offers clothes that enhance the everyday experience through bold and distinctive prints and sustainable fabrics with the aim to promote the kind of eco-consumerism that gives back to the earth, and to use technology as a vehicle to drive humanity towards the future.

Xolani Magadla & Mawande Mbawuli
of XolaniMawande

Xolani Mawande, formerly known as XM Creations, is a versatile brand that caters for stars, working class, cool kids and basically anyone who doesn’t want to feel naked even when they’re clothed.

With every thread, Xolani Mawande hopes to touch the lives of people who wear their garments. The brand is named after co-founders, Xolani

and Mawande Xolani Mawande, originates from the names of the brand’s
co-founders.

Follow Xolani and Mawande's Fastrack Journey Here :

Xolani Magadla & Mawande Mbawuli
Brand: Xolani Mawande

Xolani Mawande, formerly known as XM Creations, is a versatile brand that caters for stars, working class, cool kids and basically anyone who doesn’t want to feel naked even when they’re clothed.

With every thread, Xolani Mawande hopes to touch the lives of people who wear their garments. The brand is named after co-founders, Xolani and Mawande Xolani Mawande, originates from the names of the brand’s co-founders

Xhanti Xabiso Mpu
of XHVNTI

Welcome to XHVNTI, a luxury menswear brand that redefines traditional notions of gender and fashion. With a focus on tailored and structured looks, XHVNTI is renowned for its unique blend of classic elegance and contemporary design.


Founded by Xhanti Mpu in 2018, XHVNTI quickly gained recognition for its commitment to quality and attention to detail. Every piece in the collection is crafted using only the finest materials and fabrics, ensuring that each item is not only beautiful but also durable and long-lasting.

Follow Xhanti's Fastrack Journey Here :

Xhanti Xabiso Mpu
Brand: XHVNTI

Welcome to XHVNTI, a luxury menswear brand that redefines traditional notions of gender and fashion. With a focus on tailored and structured looks, XHVNTI is renowned for its unique blend of classic elegance and contemporary design.


Founded by Xhanti Mpu in 2018, XHVNTI quickly gained recognition for its commitment to quality and attention to detail. Every piece in the collection is crafted using only the finest materials and fabrics, ensuring that each item is not only beautiful but also durable and long-lasting.

Thandazani Nofingxana
of ABANTU

ABANTU is a South African based contemporary fashion brand founded by Thandazani Nofingxana.

It showcases the culture of the Xhosa nation through fashion and textile design. The collections and capsule offerings are proposals for a renegotiation of the past, reimagining the present and the future by highlighting the nuances and cultural narratives of the Xhosa nation referencing its language, music and lifestyle in general. After winning mohair Knitting student competition, has set out to start an African luxury brand that would celebrate and elevate South African cultures. Achieving this by using sustainable knitwear techniques and eco-friendly printed textiles as the primary medium for his collections.

Follow Thandazani's Fastrack Journey Here :

Thandazani Nofingxana
Brand: ABANTU

ABANTU is a South African based contemporary fashion brand founded by Thandazani Nofingxana.

It showcases the culture of the Xhosa nation through fashion and textile design. The collections and capsule offerings are proposals for a renegotiation of the past, reimagining the present and the future by highlighting the nuances and cultural narratives of the Xhosa nation referencing its language, music and lifestyle in general. After winning mohair Knitting student competition, has set out to start an African luxury brand that would celebrate and elevate South African cultures. Achieving this by using sustainable knitwear techniques and eco-friendly printed textiles as the primary medium for his collections.

Mimangaliso Ndiko
of Sixx6

Sixx6 is a sustainable high end ready to wear brand that promotes an unrestricted concept of self-expression through clothing.

A lot of the brands inspiration come from vintage corporate suiting, how it was styled during the pre “born free” era, upcycled and made edgy for the current millennial/generation X who is explicitly expressive. Our indigenous African ancestor were the perfect example of self-confidence, a celebration of body positivity, leaving nothing to the imagination based off of their pre-colonial attire/silhouette’s. Sixx6 promotes the same aura by celebrating explicit sex appeal, an entity that has been demonized by centuries of colonial oppression that has brainwashed people into thinking sophistication is that of the European concept where multiple layers of clothing is the standard.

Follow Xhanti's Fastrack Journey Here :

Mimangaliso Ndiko
Brand: Sixx6

Sixx6 is a sustainable high end ready to wear brand that promotes an unrestricted concept of self-expression through clothing.

A lot of the brands inspiration come from vintage corporate suiting, how it was styled during the pre “born free” era, upcycled and made edgy for the current millennial/generation X who is explicitly expressive. Our indigenous African ancestor were the perfect example of self-confidence, a celebration of body positivity, leaving nothing to the imagination based off of their pre-colonial attire/silhouette’s. Sixx6 promotes the same aura by celebrating explicit sex appeal, an entity that has been demonized by centuries of colonial oppression that has brainwashed people into thinking sophistication is that of the European concept where multiple layers of clothing is the standard.


AFI Fastrack 2024 Applications

At African Fashion International, we are looking for the future talent to groom into our next headline name with the South African industry.

The FastrackTM graduate selection process has been designed to let you show us if you're what we are looking for in a fashion graduate/emerging designer.

Once you have been shortlisted, we will be making offers to the successful candidates for the 12-month programme where the top 5 candidates will

be part of a reality series. If you feel you have what it takes, we look forward to receiving your application.

The candidates will be required to complete the online application form, given details of their work experience, qualifications and key strengths.

The FastrackTM recruitment team will review the information you have provided, and if you meet the criteria we are looking for,

you will be invited to the next stage of the process.

 

Applications for the AFI FastrackTM 2024 programme will be open after Cape Town Fashion Week 2024.

Our Mission

"To nurture emerging fashion designers into fashion entrepreneurs from design schools

and local communities across Pan Africa, through connecting them to a global fashion network

whilst encouraging to expand and maintain their brands with the assistance of AFI to contribute

to economic and skills development."

The Criteria

Must be between the ages
of 18 – 34 years old

Must be an African citizen with
a valid ID/passport

Must have a valid fashion related qualification or 5+ years experience within the Fashion industry.

Application
is free

Previous AFI Fastrack Winners

Shamyra Moodley
2021

Shamyra Moodley, winner of AFI FastrackTM 2021 and founder of LaaniRaani, constantly reinvents herself by collaborating with other young designers.

She practices what she preaches through her up-skilling program where she establishes sustainable employment opportunities for local women teaching them handy craftsmanship.

Sindi Mbobo
2019

Sindi Mbobo, winner of AFI FastrackTM 2019, found inspiration for his debut runway showcase in the uniforms worn by young people in the 70’s who were enforcing change into South Africa.

He was awarded a cash prize of ZAR50, 000 to grow his fashion label Name Brand.

Sibusiso Molete
2016

Sibusiso ‘Buda’ Malete showcased at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week and won the Fastrack Young Designer of the Year award in 2016.

He has since been featured in Teen Vogue as a South African designer you need to know.

Nthabiseng Molefe
2015

Nthabiseng Molefe, is a South African fashion designer who won the AFI Fastrack competition in 2015. She initially studied and completed graphic design, but soon realized that she did not enjoy it as much as she thought.

Fashion has always been her true love, so she decided to resign from her job and study fashion. It's been a fulfilling journey ever since.

Tuelo Nguyuza
2014

Since winning Fastrack in 2014, Tuelo Nguyuza has grown his glamourous high-end label

Tuelo Nguyuza Collectiv into a globally recognised brand, featured on Black is King and worn by the influential.

Eleni Labrou of Akedo
2013

AFI Young Designer of the Year in 2013, Eleni Labrou presented anaesthetic that melded a vivid colour palette with tailored silhouettes.

Her flair for balancing the weird with sophistication has brought her notable success.

Kim Gush
2012

That year it was a rare event to see fashion forward men’s wear on the ramp at South African fashion shows.

The 2012 FastrackTM winner Kim Gush inspired the menswear scene, and is now a business lecturer at FEDISA Fashion School.

Toki Tafeni
2011

Cape Town College of Fashion Design student ‘swept the floor’ at the inaugural FastrackTM in 2011.

Thoki Tafeni also won a 6-month internship at Foschini and is now a UX & Product Designer working with the biggest brands in the world.


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