The award-winning designer brings a wealth of knowledge to the 10-month intensive practical and theoretical course that aims to bridge the gap between tertiary education and the manufacturing industry to address South Africa’s youth unemployment challenge directly.
Mpungwe recently spent time mentoring the students to ensure that they can become more knowledgeable, passionate and, ultimately, more employable. This is the second year the designer and founder of popular womens-wear design house Loin Cloth & Ashes has been hands-on with the Jump Start Pre-production Manufacturing Course.
The Tanzania-born designer thoroughly enjoyed being a part of the young students’ learning journey saying: “It’s important always to look at potential future leaders and the MRP Foundation has made this platform available for any students who want to further their knowledge in the manufacturing, textile and footwear industry. The questions they ask are always interesting and it’s fulfilling to know that in a small way you can mentor eager learners who don’t have access to the fashion industry just yet.”
Mpungwe’s journey with MRP began back in 2008 when she was announced the winner of the Elle Rising Star Design Award, an annual competition in association with MRP, in which she reaffirmed her herself as a force within the local fashion industry.
During her week with the MRP Foundation Mpungwe enlightened the students about Africa’s wealth of established designers, after which they had to present a collection in a team, based on their findings. The 25 students loved learning from Mpungwe and absorbed as much workplace knowledge as they could, learning skills like professional presentation techniques and how to work effectively in groups - both vital to building careers.
Above all, Mpungwe encouraged the students to think smarter when it comes to their career dreams, imparting essential advice that will no doubt help them gain a foothold in the local manufacturing, textile and footwear industry.
“Don’t be so hard on yourself. As long as there is a clear end goal, the road there can always alter if it needs to. Networking and maintaining relationships within the industry and people in the know is a good tool to use to for this process.”
