Designer Ms Gcinile Nhleko shares her skills with unemployed young people in her community.
She is teaching three young girls named Mamabolo Motaung, Simphiwe Mdluli and Boniso Lubambo how to design and sew for free.
“I love teaching and love to share what I’ve learnt over the years with other people,” she said.
She learnt how to sew on her mother’s sewing machine after completing matric and later furthered her design studies at the Maphumulo School of Fashion in Durban.
This chairman of the Lekwa Arts and Culture Forum has been involved in local fashion shows since 2004.
She is one of the well-known designers in town with many awards to her name including the best Interesting and Creative Designer in the MaAfrica Awards in 2006 and she also received an Achievement Award for her involvement in the arts.
Gcinile was recently awarded locally for being the best designer at the Lekwa Municipality Youth Awards.
She is passionate about the arts and organises events that exhibit local talent.
She does not only design clothes, but also makes African jewellery with beads.
Crocheting is also one of her many talents.
“It is a pity that people do not take local artists seriously, because there is so much talent in town.”
She is also passionate about education being a qualified civil engineer.
Gcinile wants to grow as a brand and explore other designing avenues.
