Sophie Ndaba to help young designers turn creativity into business at Basha Uhuru

Former "Generations" actress Sophie Ndaba is set to facilitate the Business of Fashion workshop at this year’s Basha Uhuru Freedom Festival.

This won’t be Ndaba’s first time hosting a session at the festival; she previously led a wellness workshop, but this time, she’s focusing on equipping the youth with a realistic understanding of the fashion industry as a business.

“I always say to young people, it's always about access. When you're part of a brand such as Basha, you already have access to the youth who need this advice,” Ndaba told IOL.

“For me, that was the most exciting part, having direct access to young people who need to be empowered.”

The 51-year-old explained that her goal goes beyond simply hosting a fashion show; she wants to offer something lasting and meaningful.

“We want young people to see themselves as a business. Yes, they are creative, but how do they turn that creativity into a sustainable business?”

“It’s about empowering young people to be self-sufficient,” she added.

Curated by Ndaba herself, the workshop will feature two panels: one consisting of founders from well-known fashion brands such as Otiz Seflo and Tallit Wear; the other will include an advisory panel of industry experts who will guide attendees on matters like business registration and legal compliance.

"Young people often think they don’t need short-term insurance simply because they’re driving a second-hand car; however, if something happens, where will they get the money to replace it?

“When you’re running a business, that’s when you need to think about things like having a will, not because you’re planning for the end, but to protect the empire you’re building for your family.”

The panel will also feature PR specialist Simpiwe Majola, who will unpack how to transform a business into a recognizable brand. Designers will discuss the tough decisions entrepreneurs face, such as whether to offer ready-to-wear collections or leverage social media as a primary sales channel.

They will also weigh the pros and cons of running an online store versus investing in a physical retail space.

“The business of fashion is about long-term thinking, sustainability, and growth. It’s about building a brand from the ground up, one that brings consistent cash flow over time,” Ndaba explained.

With years of business experience under her belt, from running a catering company to managing a wedding planning business, Ndaba knows the highs and lows of entrepreneurship.

“This workshop is designed to mentally prepare them for the reality of the fashion business: there will be losses, and there will be gains. Are you ready for both?”

Having faced personal and professional setbacks, including losing it all, battling depression, and rebuilding from scratch, Ndaba speaks from hard-won experience.

“My journey of loss taught me valuable lessons, especially because I grew up without mentors. No one ever said, ‘This is how you run a business.’

“Everything I built was self-taught. I can imagine if I had such mentorship, then where would I be?"

The Business of Fashion workshop will take place on June 27 at Constitution Hill, as part of the Basha Uhuru Freedom Festival, running from June 25 to 28, 2025.

Founded in 2012, Basha Uhuru commemorates the youth who fought for freedom during the 1976 Soweto Uprising, while offering today’s generation a platform to explore creativity and self-expression.

IOL Entertainment