PROGRAMME HIGHLIGHTS

IQHINA LABAFAZI – Fashion, Music & Creative Arts Incubation Programme (Ages 18 -35)

(6-Month Skills Training, Production & Incubation Programme)

The IQHINA LABAFAZI Fashion, Music & Creative Arts Incubation Programme is a 6-month, practice-based programme offered by Luvuthando Academy, designed for unemployed young women and aspiring creatives who wish to build sustainable careers in the creative industries.

The programme is rooted in Fashion, Music, and Creative Arts, combining hands-on production, creative development, business skills, and mentorship. Participants gain real-world experience by working on live creative outputs while being supported to either launch their own creative businesses or secure employment in their chosen field.

Programme Philosophy

IQHINA LABAFAZI recognises that creativity is both a cultural asset and an economic opportunity. The programme responds to high youth unemployment and social vulnerability by prioritising:

• Practical, income-generating creative skills

• Leadership and self-confidence

• Sustainable production and ethical practice

• Clear pathways into work or entrepreneurship

• GBV awareness, personal safety, and self-advocacy

Programme Structure & Schedule

Weekly Structure

• 3 Days per Week – Creative Production & Product Development
  Participants focus on hands-on production across Fashion, Music, and Creative Arts, including:

  • Fashion and accessory production

  • Creative arts production and handcrafted items

  • Doll accessories production, assembly, packaging, and order fulfilment

  • Quality control, teamwork, and production workflows

  Production is linked to live brands and creative outputs within the Luvuthando ecosystem, including Luvuthando Dolls and House of VanGIWE, ensuring market relevance and professional standards.

• 2 Days per Week – Learning, Business & Leadership Development
  These days focus on:

  • Creative theory and concept development

  • Music, performance, and creative expression

  • Sustainable and ethical creative practices

  • Branding, pricing, and creative entrepreneurship

  • Retail readiness and audience engagement

  • Life skills, leadership, and GBV awareness

Saturdays

• Driving licence readiness

• Markets, pop-ups, exhibitions, and showcases

• Live performances, fashion presentations, and creative displays

• Networking and industry exposure

School Holidays

• Intensive creative labs

• Production sprints

• Music, fashion, and multidisciplinary creative workshops

Core Programme Streams

1. Fashion & Sustainable Design

• Garment construction and finishing

• Afro-chic clothing and accessories

• Upcycling and circular fashion practices

• Small-batch and made-to-order production

2. Music & Performance

• Vocal performance, spoken word, and creative expression

• Stage confidence and performance readiness

• Music as storytelling, healing, and advocacy

• Introduction to music branding and creative identity

3. Creative Arts

• Handcrafted creative products

• Visual and mixed-media creative expression

• Product development for markets and exhibitions

• Creative collaboration and concept execution

4. Creative Business, Branding & Retail

• Creative brand development

• Pricing, costing, and budgeting

• Retail readiness and customer experience

• Markets, pop-ups, and online sales basics

• Introduction to self-employment and micro-enterprises

5. Professional Development & Life Skills

• Portfolio development (fashion, music, or creative arts)

• CV preparation and interview skills

• Workplace ethics and professionalism

• Leadership development and confidence building

• GBV awareness, boundaries, and self-advocacy

Pathways After Completion

At the end of the 6-month programme, participants are supported to follow one of two pathways:

Employment Pathway

Participants receive assistance to:

• Identify job opportunities aligned to their chosen creative discipline

• Prepare CVs, portfolios, and audition or presentation material

• Apply for entry-level roles, internships, or production work

• Access referrals and industry networks

Entrepreneurship & Brand Launch Pathway

Participants choosing self-employment are supported to:

• Develop their own creative business, label, or service

• Refine products, performances, or creative offerings

• Prepare for markets, showcases, and online platforms

• Build a foundation for sustainable income generation

Certification

Participants who successfully complete the programme receive a Certificate in Fashion, Music & Creative Arts Production and Entrepreneurship.

Programme Impact

IQHINA LABAFAZI bridges the gap between creative talent and economic opportunity. By centring Fashion, Music, and Creative Arts, and combining production, performance, and entrepreneurship, the programme empowers young women to create, earn, lead, and build dignified futures within the creative economy.

Apply online now for one of the programmes below:

Participants are supported with foundational skills for work and life throughout the programme. This includes basic numeracy and literacy, conversational English, CV writing, interview preparation, and guidance on workplace behaviour and ethics.