Tag Archives: South Africa

Mzansi Life & Style Meets … Iman Ganijee from Sari For Change

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In this series, Mzansi Life and Style Meets, I have a Q&A with people making an impact in the fashion, lifestyle and entertainment industries. Today, we meet Iman Ganijee, Creative and Business Development Lead at Sari for Change.

1. Please tell us what Sari For Change is, in one sentence?

Sari for Change is a social innovation that upcycles donated saris into contemporary, one-of-a-kind fashion pieces while empowering unemployed women through skills training—fostering self-sufficiency, reducing landfill waste, and celebrating evolving identities.

2. Share what inspired you and your mom to start your sustainable fashion brand, SARI FOR CHANGE, and how your journey began?

Sari for Change was born out of a love for the elegance of saris and the realization that so many of these beautiful fabrics were sitting unused in closets. My mother and founder of Sari for Change, Rayana Edwards, who has been in the fashion industry for over 35 years, saw an opportunity to merge sustainability with economic empowerment—transforming these forgotten garments into contemporary pieces while creating work for unemployed women. What started as a passion project has evolved into a movement, proving that fashion can be both ethical and empowering.

3. What challenges have you faced as a young female entrepreneur in the fashion industry, and how have you overcome them?

One of the biggest challenges has been positioning our brand in an industry that often puts labels on fashion. Some saw our work as “too Indian” or “not African enough,” while others dismissed upcycling as second-hand fashion. Overcoming these perceptions required persistence, education, and finding the right audience who values sustainability. Additionally, building a business while training women in an industry that prioritizes mass production has required constant innovation.

4. Tell us about your Young Entrepreneur nominations/wins?

I’ve been honored to be recognized among Mail & Guardian’s 200 Young South Africans in the entrepreneurship category and as one of the 100 Young Nelson Mandelas. These accolades affirm the work we do at Sari for Change, proving that sustainable fashion and social impact can go hand in hand.

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Explore Festive Events on the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast

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With the KZN South Coast boasting the highest number of Blue Flag beaches in the province, plus dive sites, tidal pools, nature reserves, hinterland tours, extreme adventures, shops, restaurants and more… there is so much to keep holidaymakers busy. This summer season, there’s even more on offer with lots of holiday events planned on the KZN South Coast, from Christmas markets to the popular Love Summer beach programme.

“Now’s the time to visit the KZN South Coast as we have everything a family needs to make the most out of this festive season,” commented CEO of South Coast Tourism and Investment Enterprise (SCTIE), Dr Vusumuzi Sibiya. “Many of our local tourism establishments host exciting events during this time and families will be kept engaged at the beach with our annual Love Summer programme with free activities and fun prize giveaways for all ages. We are doing all we can to ensure our visitors embrace summer!”

KZN South Coast Festive Season Events

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Zandélle Meyer Shines in Showmax’s “Wyfie” Season 2

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South Africans met Zandélle Meyer in her first TV role as Riekie in Binnelanders, before being cast in Suidooster, and later as Chandré in Trompoppie on Showmax. In addition, earlier this year she made her writing and directing debut at Silwerskerm with the short film O, Griet! Sy’s droog.

Now she’s back on Showmax in the groundbreaking university telenovela Wyfie, which won two Silwerskerm acting awards at the end of August, a MIP Africa Inclusive Lens award at the start of September, and was up for Best International Series at The Seoul International Drama Awards. At the National Film & TV Awards South Africa on 9 November 2024, Wyfie is nominated for another five awards: Best Scripted Series, Afrikaans Series, Newcomer (Mienke Ehlers, who won the category at Silwerskerm), Actress (Beáta Bena Green, also nominated at Silwerskerm), and Supporting Actress (Marguerite van Eeden, who won the category at Silwerskerm). 

Here’s a chat with Zandélle about her character, Jessie, who joined the Wyfie cast for Season 2. 

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Lady Gaga’s Born This Way Foundation and Cotton On Invest R6,4 million in Youth-Led Mental Health Initiatives in South Africa

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Lady Gaga’s Born This Way Foundation and Cotton On have announced their R6,4 million donation towards 6 South African mental health organisations. This forms part of $3,000,000 USD funding of 65 youth-centered organizations across ten countries through the Kindness in Community Fund, among the largest funding efforts to provide direct support for youth mental health across the world.

From nominations to the initial review to selecting the shortlist, all the way to the final selection, young people in each region were engaged at each step, ensuring their input and perspectives were central to the decision-making process and reflecting their genuine needs and priorities in mental health.

The Kindness in Community Fund grantees span a wide range of focus areas, including direct mental health service providers, arts and culture, youth leadership and development, education, sports and recreation, and more. By offering up to $150,000 USD per organization, the fund enables services that respond to the top themes young people hoped to address in their regions, including culturally competent services, LGBTQ+ rights and advocacy, gender-based violence support, de-stigmatizing mental health, and migrant and refugee community care. The Kindness in Community Fund offers a comprehensive approach that connects young people with a wide range of free, accessible resources and opportunities to support themselves and their peers.

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Gert Johan-Coetzee Reigns Supreme at Miss South Africa

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Credits: Gert Johan Coetzee

Renowned South African designer, Gert Johan Coetzee, made a dazzling impact on the Miss South Africa pageant night, showcasing his exceptional talent with an unforgettable opening sequence where 11 stunning gowns created by Coetzee transformed the stage into a breathtaking runway, leaving audiences and viewers captivated by his artistry.

Fashion coalesced with technology at this year’s Miss South Africa pageant like never before, every fabric was meticulously created and printed in Gert-Johan Coetzee studio, blending traditional techniques with cutting-edge innovation.

The 3D-printed elements on all the gowns are a testament to his commitment to pushing the envelope and redefining what’s possible in fashion, each piece was thoughtfully designed to highlight the unique personality of each contestant, ensuring that their individuality shines through. By fusing tradition with technology, Gert and his team are not only creating fashion; they are telling a story of innovation, pride, and empowerment. These gowns are more than just garments; they are a reflection of the strength and beauty of South Africa and its people and each dress is a masterpiece, reflecting the designer’s signature style and impeccable craftsmanship.

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