THE iconic Madiba shirts, which were worn by the late president Nelson Mandela, have been given a lifeline by Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa.
The shirts, designed by fashion expert Sonwabile Ndamase, have been seen worn lately by the second-in-command, most notably at last month's Heritage Day celebrations in North West.
Ahead of the 20th anniversary of his Vukani Fashion Awards, Ndamase has revealed that he has designed some shirts for Ramaphosa.
"People need to know that the shirts did not die with Madiba. It's a continuation of his legacy. He endorsed my craft by wearing them," said Ndamase.
At the time of print, Ramaphosa's spokesman Ronnie Mamoepa had not responded to Sowetan's questions.
Ndamase's clientele include the powerful and influential in South African politics such as President Jacob Zuma, Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, Saki Macozoma, Zindzi and Zenani Mandela, Gwede Mantashe and Thulas Nxesi.
Ndamase plans to celebrate the milestone of Vukani's 20 years by short-listing 20 young fashion designers as finalists.
On the same platform, he will celebrate 20 years of democracy in SA with the 19 previous winners of Vukani Awards, African designers and exhibitors.
On a health-conscious level, the awards will mark 20 years of Madikizela-Mandela living with diabetes. Ndamase said it was fitting to celebrate the struggle icon.
"I have been drawing strength from the Mandela family and I do recognise the health of the family."
This year's designers have been asked to look at the political events since 1994 and interpret them under the theme "We have a story to tell".
The main awards take place on October 18 at Shine Studios in Braamfontein, Johannesburg.
For more stories like this one, be sure to buy the Sowetan newspaper from Mondays to Fridays
Ramaphosa has designs on shirts
THE iconic Madiba shirts, which were worn by the late president Nelson Mandela, have been given a lifeline by Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa.
The shirts, designed by fashion expert Sonwabile Ndamase, have been seen worn lately by the second-in-command, most notably at last month's Heritage Day celebrations in North West.
Ahead of the 20th anniversary of his Vukani Fashion Awards, Ndamase has revealed that he has designed some shirts for Ramaphosa.
"People need to know that the shirts did not die with Madiba. It's a continuation of his legacy. He endorsed my craft by wearing them," said Ndamase.
At the time of print, Ramaphosa's spokesman Ronnie Mamoepa had not responded to Sowetan's questions.
Ndamase's clientele include the powerful and influential in South African politics such as President Jacob Zuma, Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, Saki Macozoma, Zindzi and Zenani Mandela, Gwede Mantashe and Thulas Nxesi.
Ndamase plans to celebrate the milestone of Vukani's 20 years by short-listing 20 young fashion designers as finalists.
On the same platform, he will celebrate 20 years of democracy in SA with the 19 previous winners of Vukani Awards, African designers and exhibitors.
On a health-conscious level, the awards will mark 20 years of Madikizela-Mandela living with diabetes. Ndamase said it was fitting to celebrate the struggle icon.
"I have been drawing strength from the Mandela family and I do recognise the health of the family."
This year's designers have been asked to look at the political events since 1994 and interpret them under the theme "We have a story to tell".
The main awards take place on October 18 at Shine Studios in Braamfontein, Johannesburg.
For more stories like this one, be sure to buy the Sowetan newspaper from Mondays to Fridays
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