THE INSCAPE DISTANCE AND ONLINE LEARNING CAMPUS is thrilled to share some exciting news that underscores our commitment to fostering innovation, creativity, and growth within the field of design education. Inscape has forged a dynamic partnership with the Takealot Group’s (takealot.com, superbalist.com & MrD)Skills Development Programme.
According to Lesego Sebuelo, Takealot Group Learning & Organisational Development Specialist: “The Takealot Group believes that it is a business imperative to contribute to our economy in all facets and from a Skills Development perspective. Throughout the group, we have employed over 60 interns”. Eight of the 60 interns employed at Superbalist.com, have taken a bold step forward in their professional development and have been enrolled in the newly revamped Higher Certificate in Fashion Design programme through Inscape‘s Distance and Online Learning campus.
This collaboration represents a powerful synergy between two dynamic entities united by a shared passion for design excellence.
Sebuelo continues: “This qualification was selected because it fits the skills required in the business (i.e.Superbalist.com), and we believe that through programmes such as this, we are creating opportunities for individuals to gain valuable workplace experience and at the same time for us as a growing business to gain value from young brilliant minds – as this is a mutually beneficial relationship.”
Mohamed Karodia , Dean of Business and Innovation Faculty, says of the programme: “Inscape embarked on a process to renew its Fashion Design programme to ensure that students are offered a relevant, quality, and future-proof qualification, in line with Inscape’s vision of a reimagined South African fashion curriculum for a sustainable and decolonised fashion future.”
“To achieve the renewal, Inscape has shifted the programmes to include a broader perspective on fashion history, such as the impact of colonisation/decolonisation on African fashion, a focus on the local fashion industry and entrepreneurship, and discussions on changing the fashion system to a circular one throughout. Students are asked to consider economic, social and environmental sustainability and the broader strategic aspects of supply chain management, forecasting, manufacturing, merchandising, buying trends, entrepreneurship, events and experience coordination for a circular fashion industry.”
“The programme introduces students to the knowledge and skills required to design innovative and appealing garments using industry-standard software and practices, as well as circular design concepts of life cycle thinking, which includes zero-waste patternmaking, redesigning second-hand garments, and exploring circular business models for the fashion industry”.
“As we welcome these new interns into the Inscape community, we reflect on the immense potential that lies ahead. The worlds of e-commerce and design education are converging in an unprecedented way, offering unique perspectives and fresh insights that enrich our educational experience”, says Gwynedd Peters Campus Director of Inscape’s Distance and Online Learning Campus. “At Inscape, we have always strived to create an environment that nurtures creativity and empowers individuals to bring their unique visions to life. This partnership with Superbalist exemplifies our commitment to breaking down barriers and providing accessible pathways to education, regardless of geographical constraints.”
According to Miguel de Figueiredo, Inscape’s Business Development Manager, “As Inscape embarks on this exciting chapter, we look forward to deepening our relationship with Superbalist as we continue to explore avenues for collaboration. Our collective journey is a testament to the boundless possibilities that arise when like-minded organisations come together to shape the future of design.”
Finally, “To our Superbalist.com interns, we extend a warm welcome and a promise of unwavering support throughout your educational voyage. Your dedication to self-improvement and professional growth is an inspiration to us all, and we are excited to witness your creative evolution,” adds Peters.
Let us celebrate this milestone and look forward to the limitless horizons that await us. Together, we shall create a legacy of innovation and design excellence that resonates far beyond the confines of our institution.