About Us

How It All Began ...

SEWAFRICA Training Centre was founded in 2001 to meet the specific needs of the clothing sector in Inner-City Johannesburg. We started in three rooms upstairs at 109 Pritchard Street. Essentially, we existed as a bridging course for Wits Technikon as many students were not coping at the Technikon as they had attended schools that did not offer art.

The need for training and SEWAFRICA’s reputation in the industry grew to the extent that we had to move to new, larger premises in February of 2004, thereby increasing our capacity to meet the demand. We are currently operating from No. 109 Pritchard Street, Johannesburg, opposite the Fashion Kapitol.

SEWAFRICA offers full-time courses in Fashion Design, Pattern Making and Garment Construction. Courses available include a National Certificate in Craft Production Fashion Focus (CATHSSETA), Certificate in Fashion (SEWAFRICA), Certificate in Foundations of Fashion (SEWAFRICA), Short Course in Dressmaking (SEWAFRICA).

On Saturdays, SEWAFRICA offers part-time courses in Pattern Making and Dressmaking.

SEWAFRICA MISSION

The Mission of SEWAFRICA is to provide the opportunity for development and training in the fashion industry that will enable individuals in the informal fashion sector to receive training that will facilitate the generation of income through self employment and formal employment as a major contributor to the revitalisation of the Inner City and the clothing industry.

In addition, SEWAFRICA aims to meet the training and development needs of the formal sector of the Fashion Industry and thereby promote and advance the industry by providing skills and individual development opportunities.

SEWAFRICA GOAL

Provide courses that are relevant, appropriate to a sector of the industry that would normally not have access to the Technikons, Technical Colleges and Fashion Design Colleges.
Provide affordable courses that are structured in such a manner as to allow the candidates to gain the necessary skills while generating an income.
Ensure the retention of skills and sustained employment in the Fashion Industry.
Provide courses and an environment that will facilitate the upgrading of skills in the Fashion, Clothing, Home Ware and Craft Industry.
Promote the Pan African Revival, where African culture will be acknowledged for artistic distinction and authenticity.
Provide a facility for young emerging designers to develop and grow as uniquely South African designers.