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First Eastern Cape Fashion and Design Council

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Many communities have experienced local regeneration thanks to art projects inspiring people to take pride in their surroundings and creating community spaces for all to enjoy. The arts have been shown to increase empathy towards others, a side effect of which reduces social tension and discrimination.

The Mandela Bay Development Agency is proud to be the host venue and sponsor of the first Eastern Cape Fashion and Design Council (EDFDC) taking place during Heritage Month on Friday, 13th September 2019. This event is was solely created to empower the Eastern Cape youth within the textile and crafts industry.

The ECFDC is a non-profit organization founded in 2018 by Laduma Ngxokolo and Nwabisa Bunde. This organization aims to help SMME’s within the fashion, design and craft industry through various business development initiatives and advisory support.

“The connection between people and art is deeper. Just like language is a natural behaviour of expressing oneself, so is art. Art is a universal form of communication that many can share their ideas and thoughts with other people. Hence introducing the Creative Arts mentorship programme seemed viable” said Nwabisa Bunde, Founder of the ECFDC

“We want the Eastern Cape to become a mass contributor to the South African economy. Panel discussions about funding opportunities, youth empowerment as well as branding and marketing strategies will form a vital part if the programme on the day.”

The Creative Market affords designers a platform to market and sell their products, as well as provide various skills development opportunities.

“Positive change as well as developing and promoting a creative culture in the Nelson Mandela Bay forms an important part of the MBDA’s strategic values,” said Luvuyo Bangazi, MBDA Spokesperson

“High rates of unemployment, poverty and inequality threaten economic growth and social cohesion. Promoting the development of mentorship programmes such as the ECFDC is one solution to the current employment crisis.” added Bangazi

Fresh from New York Fashion Week 2019, Laduma Ngxokolo will be at Tramways to set up on Thursday, 12 September.

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Alan Straton

Chief Cook, Bottle Washer and Broom Mechanic at MyPE
Passionate about Port Elizabeth and definitely NOT packing for Perth. Alan's ethos is epitomised in the words of Nelson Mandela; "I have fought against white domination and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the idea of a democratic and free society. If need be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die." See more articles by Alan.