FOOTCAST: The Art of Footwear Training & Documentation

Footwear Training Program Cohort 1 (2023)

We have the privilege of hosting the first Footwear Training Program in 2023, which was a fully funded 12-month program to under privilege youth and women. We were fortunate to be sponsored by BASA to cover the costs of 20 participants in a 2-week bootcamp, and 10 shortlisted participants were part of the full 12 months. They had an opportunity to learn 20% theory of footwear design and creation, business modelling using a business tool designed by Sicelo Siyabonga Mabuza (Managing & Creative Director), and 70% practical in making, business modelling, design, and Work Integrated Learning. During our rollout, we had more than 1300 applicants nationally, and we were only targeting 30 for 20 to be shortlisted for the bootcamp. This data was evidence of the demand for the program.

Skills Transfer from German Experts

We had the opportunity to have German guests who were with us for about 3 weeks to train both our staff and trainees in fashion design skills. Our guests are experts and have more than 20 years of experience in fashion design and pattern making. We witnessed our beneficiaries being exposed to high-level fashion design techniques. They managed to implement a lot of systems and processes, creating more impact for our beneficiaries.

Our Testimonial

This is Zamokuhle Zondo, our protégé who came to us with no footwear skills or background, only a love for shoes and sketching. He was hungry for the info and very grateful to be part of this program. He grasped and learnt as much as he could. He is now an all-rounder designer, from crochet shoes to conventional footwear design techniques. He is also a prolific fashion designer with high-end apparel-making skills. He maintained our relationship with him, and we placed him in an alumni program where we found him another organization last year to continue earning experience while earning a salary.

Footcast: The History of Shoes

In this episode (Day 1), we dive into the rich history of shoes, tracing their origins back to Africa. We explore compelling research that supports the hypothesis that the earliest forms of footwear were crafted on this continent. We lay the groundwork for a journey that connects the past and the future of footwear, all while celebrating the African roots of this global staple.