Curro Vanderbijlpark learners turn recycled fashion into a movement

29 September 2025

Grade 11 learners from Curro Vanderbijlpark recently showcased their creativity and environmental awareness through the Fast Fashion Solution Project, transforming recycled materials into fashion pieces that highlighted sustainability and style.

 

 

Bringing sustainability to the runway

Business Studies teacher Motshedisi Ramakarane guided the project and explained its purpose: ‘I really wanted the learners to see how their purchasing decisions have affected the environment. We emphasise sustainability from primary school using the philosophies of Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle, and I wanted them to carry those lessons forward by creating an outfit they could be proud of. Teamwork and peer support were also very important, as I wanted them to learn how to lean on each other to achieve a greater purpose.’

 

 

From hesitation to confidence

The showcase became an energised event, but Motshedisi admitted that it did not start that way. ‘At first, they were very shy. They didn’t want to do it in front of the whole school and weren’t very keen. But after some encouragement, their energy shifted. They became proud of their work and wanted the entire school to see what they had been creating over the past few weeks.’

 

 

A performance to remember

Learners walked the runway with confidence, while narrators added atmosphere to the event. A standout moment came from rapper Bradley Zifodja, known as Uno, who performed alongside his crew, the Four Men of Doom, bringing rhythm and energy that captured the audience.

 

 

Looking at the future of the project

Motshedisi believes the initiative can evolve further. ‘This could expand into an extracurricular activity, such as a pageant – the possibilities are endless. Because the theme changes every two years for Business Studies, we might need to tweak the fashion show to accommodate that.’

 

Beyond the fashion show

The project carried a strong message about environmental responsibility. ‘We should become responsible with our clothing purchases,’ Motshedisi emphasised. ‘The clothing we buy often ends up in landfills, suffocating wildlife and polluting the environment. People and the clothing and textile industry need to start exploring more sustainable fashion options.’