Celebrated fashion luminary Gert-Johan Coetzee proudly announces the continuation of his esteemed Fashion Design Bursary into 2024, marking another milestone in his ongoing commitment to nurturing South Africa’s emerging design talent. Established in 2009 and hosted annually at the North-West School of Design, this transformative bursary has become synonymous with fashion education and career empowerment. 

The Gert-Johan Coetzee Fashion Design Bursary offers a unique opportunity for one deserving individual to embark on a comprehensive three-year fashion journey at Gert-Johan Coetzee’s alma mater. The recipient will delve into a curriculum designed to cultivate technical prowess, conceptual creativity and industry acumen under the guidance of seasoned professionals. 

Reflecting on the significance of the bursary, Coetzee remarked – “Throughout my career I have been privileged to receive all the opportunities I have and I see it as a responsibility to honour this and to be able to pass down the mantle, it evokes  wonderful memories of seeing these eager, young talented individuals arrive at my studio for mentorship and seeing them go on to become a success story.” 

Junior Skhosana (2023), Basetsana Maloleka (2022), and Marumo Malepe (2021) are currently at the academy enhancing their skills to make their unique mark on the industry. Previous winners, include Yaseen Pinetown who won in 2017.

When discussing the current challenges faced by the field, Junior emphasizes the significance of sustainable design practices and expresses her aspiration to address this gap through innovative design thinking. She remains committed to her authentic approach and believes that furthering her education at the North-West School of Design will enable her to leverage her unique perspective and make a meaningful impact on the industry. 

In 2024, the bursary package is valued at R200,000 and includes full tuition fees, a laptop, and a state-of-the-art Bernina sewing machine, essential tools for the aspiring designer’s journey. 

Applications for the 2025 Gert-Johan Coetzee Bursary opened on 15 July 2024 and close on the 10th of September 2024. 

To enter the bursary the following steps are to be taken. 

Visit the website, www.nwsd.co.za, complete the online application and submit. 

Upload a video of yourself whilst dressed in your favourite style and describe your style. 

Include, who you are and where you are from. 

Also brief us on where you got your clothes from. 

The video must not be longer than 1 minute. 

Upload all this to your social media, Tik-tok and Instagram and you must use the following hashtags, #nwsd, #gert, #gertbursary2024, #fashiondesign, #fashionbursary, #fashionschool and the use these tags, @nwsdfashion and @gertjohancoetzee. 

Admission Criteria 

• Applicants should refer to the website to read through the fulltime course prospectus. 
• All applicants should be South African citizens. 
• Currently 18 years or older. 
• If applicants have successfully passed their Gr 12, they should be in possession of a Gr 12 certificate with diploma exemption. 
• Applicants that have studied in another field, are allowed to apply. 
• Applicants may re-enter if they entered competition previously. 
• Winner must be able to commence their studies in January 2025. 
• Winner must be able to read, speak, write and understand English. 
• Winner must be a South African citizen. 

What does the bursary include? 

• Tuition fees at NWSD, valued at R 176 000.00 
• Sewing Machine courtesy of Bernina at R 14 000.00 
• Laptop courtesy of Computer Shop Klerksdorp at R15 000.00  
• Winner will also be required to complete 2 internships per year at Gert-Johan Coetzee studios, whereby valuable knowledge, skill and know-how will be bestowed upon them. 

NB! Excluded from the bursary is personal stationery, accommodation and meals, which the winner will have to provide for themselves.