Fashion designer and founder of Ganu Designs, Nkanyezi Malunga, is struck by the level of craftsmanship, creativity and business acumen that she witnessed during her recent visit to Ghana, adding that she looks forward to an exchange programme to immensely benefit both countries.
For Malunga to be in Ghana, she attributed her experiences with the YALI- Nelson Mandela Fellowship programme, as well as her participation in fashion shows and online communities that has provided her with invaluable connections and support.
She said these relationships have helped her grow and develop as a fashion designer, and have opened her eyes to new opportunities and possibilities.
“I have realised that West Africa is ahead in terms of their craft production, textile and fashion production,” Malunga said.
“It’s one of those top countries in Africa that are generating a lot through the industry I am in.
“So I went there to see specifically in Ghana for now, to see how they are making it in terms of their fashion and textile industry.
“When I got there, I already had a programme of places to visit and which relate to what we have in Zimbabwe and again that within our means, how best we can maximise on the opportunities that are available and those where we amplify the creative industry.”
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She said this was an ongoing project, and would continue to consult with the contacts made in Ghana to further develop the idea of an exchange programme highlighting that the relationships forged during her visit have created exciting possibilities for the future.
“This is an ongoing project and the consultation which will be happening consistently with the contacts that I have in Ghana,” Malunga said.
“At least we make a first step towards amplifying what we are doing because there is so much talent in Zimbabwe.
“We just need to get our ducks in a row in terms of craft, textile and fashion production.
“There is so much that I learnt in Ghana and hopefully when things align, there will be an exchange program between Zimbabwe and Ghana.
“Not just Ghana only but I am hoping Mali and Nigeria as well and other countries not limited to these I have just mentioned.
“For me, production can’t just be limited to Zimbabwean borders, I would love to see my perimeter reaching, some of my production or materials to be sourced.
“The joy of being creative is being able to diversify and if you look at our cultures, they may seem so different but there are a lot of similarities after my experience there.”
For Malunga, if one is able to create a structured program of exchange between the two countries, they will be able to foster consistent growth and development.
Malunga said the process of cultural exchange will challenge them to think outside the box, and allow them to learn from each other's unique perspectives and approaches to creativity.
“If we are able to package that, we consistently grow and if we are able to embrace some practices or other different creative habits, I feel like we will become challenged,” she said.
“That’s when we will be able to see our creative growth in an innovative way.
“I would love to see our industry grow, I have got to a point where I want a challenge for myself, a challenge for the other creators, tailors, people involved in the value chain in the textile industry….
“I want us to be challenged, growing forward as well. We need to be more innovative, more creative. Talent is there and I don’t see how we cannot grow in the next five years.”
She said she learnt that 80% of Ghana’s textile was no longer produced in that country but in Holland and China, among others.
The fashion designer had the opportunity to visit the Cape Coast tracing how slave trade started, how it was being conducted, it was quite a tense moment for me and emotional time.
