Dr Moloi-Motsepe’s AFI opens search for the next great fashion designer

Dr Precious Moloi-Motsepe’s Africa Fashion International (AFI) has launched the search for its 2025 Fastrack Young Designer of the Year, aiming to add another standout talent to the celebrated alumni of its fashion incubator programme.

“At AFI, we are committed to developing and elevating Africa’s creativity and talents on global platforms. Fastrack remains central to AFI’s mission of growing luxury brands from Africa,” said Moloi-Motsepe.

Entrants were opened on Monday, 14 April, and will close on 5 May.

Among the criteria for entrants is that hopefuls must be emerging designers with a passion for fashion, between the ages of 18 and 35, of African nationality or residing on the continent.

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‘Golden opportunity for rising designers’

AFI’s vision is to be a Leading African Luxury Fashion Company, and this is expressed in its involvement as the official fashion sponsor for Miss South Africa 2024, the last Cape Town Fashion Week (CTFW), and the Joburg Fashion Week, which was presented by AFI.

AFI has successfully hosted fashion experiences in unique locations in the last 17 years.

“The Fastrack Prize is a golden opportunity for rising designers to gain valuable industry knowledge, mentorship, and an opportunity to work in a structured and supportive environment,” said Moloi-Motsepe.

The winning designer will receive the prestigious Fastrack prize, which recognises and celebrates the talents of emerging African designers who are shaping the future of the continent’s vibrant fashion industry.

The founder and CEO of AFI said she was proud of the Fastrack alumni and their collective achievements over the years. Last year’s winner was Loice Dube.

Some names that won the fashion prize include Thebe Magugu, Rich Mnisi and Shamyra Moodley.

ALSO READ: Naomi Campbell says South Africa’s Thebe Magugu is ‘transcending fashion entirely’

Thebe Magugu, the DJ

Magugu won the award in 2015, and his already rising career received more attention following AFI’s recognition.

In an interview with British publication i-D Magazine last month, model Naomi Campbell said Magugu is one of the finest fashion designers in the world today.

“Then there’s Thebe Magugu from South Africa, who’s transcending fashion entirely,” said Campbell.

CEO of the British Fashion Council, Caroline Rush, asked Campbell which young designers she had an eye on. Campbell mentioned Magugu, describing his work as revolutionary.

“His new space in Johannesburg is revolutionary — part store, part cultural hub, spotlighting other creatives through exhibitions and panels,” said Campbell.

On Sunday, the fashion designer collaborated with Grammy-winning Zakes Bantwini. They hosted an intimate party at which Morda, Bantwini, Mamthug, and Magugu played a DJ set.

Magugu recently took up DJing as a new pastime.

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