SOUTH AFRICA LEARNING EXPEDITION
Création Botswana’s South Africa Learning Expedition: A Transformative Week of Immersive Fashion Education
From April 6–12, 2025, Création Botswana designers embarked on one of the most anticipated highlights of the entire programme: the South African Learning Expedition (LEX) in Johannesburg. Curated by award-winning designer Lukhanyo Mdingi, with special support from Bonolo Moleme and François Catala, the week served as a rare and immersive deep dive into the heart of South Africa’s creative industry.
Across five days, designers experienced a rich blend of masterclasses, designer studio visits, trend analysis sessions, fabric sourcing excursions, industry networking, and reflective workshops. It was an intense, inspiring, and transformational journey; one that broadened horizons, expanded creative thinking, and strengthened the cohort’s professional readiness.
A Week Curated for Impact & Industry Exposure
The LEX brought together leading South African creatives, business strategists, trend analysts, and quality-assurance specialists. Across the week, designers interacted with; Additional insights from textile suppliers, CMT facilities, and top African designer studios:
Lukhanyo Mdingi
Designer, curator of the LEX, and world-renowned fashion designer and creative director.
Bonolo Moleme
Fashion strategist whose retail expertise helped contextualize the SA fashion landscape
François Catala
Creative and cultural business expert supporting strategic structuring and programme flow.
Annette Pringle
Industry powerhouse and advocate for developing African creative industries
Phindi Britou Nzimande
Trend analyst for major retailers.
Venantia Scheepers
Quality assurance specialist.
This multidisciplinary approach offered the cohort a 360-degree view of what it takes to succeed in African and global fashion markets.
DAY-BY-DAY HIGHLIGHTS OF THE LEARNING EXPEDITION
DAY 1 – Opening, Masterclass with Lukhanyo Mdingi & Visits to Leading Studios
The week opened with a welcome session and a masterclass by Lukhanyo Mdingi, who spoke candidly about artistry, purpose, and global positioning.
- The importance of collaboration
- Honouring craftsmanship
- Building meaningful creative ecosystems
- Developing a deep understanding of one’s brand ethos
A Transformational Milestone in the Création Botswana Journey
The South African Learning Expedition was more than a study tour, it was an immersive,
emotional, and intellectually demanding experience that reshaped how designers think about
their businesses and the continent’s fashion landscape.
Designers left with:
● strengthened technical knowledge
● a clearer understanding of market demands
● refined brand direction
● inspiration from some of Africa’s most innovative creators
● practical tools to scale production
● valuable cross-border networks
For many, it was the single most impactful week of the entire programme, offering rare
access to industry giants and real-world operational environments.
Acknowledgements
Création Botswana extends heartfelt thanks to:
● Lukhanyo Mdingi, for curating a rich, intentional, and deeply meaningful program
● Bonolo Moleme, for his ongoing support, guidance, and industry insight
● François Catala, for his structural expertise and behind-the-scenes coordination
● All the designers, studios, and experts who generously opened their doors and shared their knowledge
● Our partners, whose support makes international mobility and creative exchange possible
