Celebrating 60 years of fashion education: Priscilla Bhika's impact staying true to her roots

AT THE age of 82, Priscilla Bhika has worked tirelessly to transform the fashion landscape in South Africa. This year her labour of love - the School of Fashion Design - in Pietermaritzburg, celebrated its 60th anniversary with a year-end fashion showcase. Thirty young designers graduated by unveiling their collections on Saturday at the Platinum Hall.

As the founder and director of the School of Fashion Design, Bhika has, over the years, not only fostered a nurturing environment for aspiring designers but has made a lasting impact on countless lives. Her journey from a young designer to a teacher, she said, was a testament to her vision and commitment to uplift women through education.

Born into a family of community leaders, Bhika originally hails from Richmond.

Her dad, Rugbeer Majies Singh, and mother, Adkumarie Ramdial Singh, were passionate about education. This drove her to pursue various tertiary qualifications, including nursing, education, and fashion at the Johannesburg Academy of Fashion.

Although she initially ventured into nursing and social work, it was the harsh realities faced by many women that sparked her desire to create a platform where they could express themselves and uncover their talents.

"I did nursing for a while and I began social work. That was where I saw the sad plight of women being abused or not being recognised for their talents. There were a number of ladies who had such talent but they had nowhere to explore it. It didn't sit well with me. I felt the need to do something about it. I had all the skills, the qualifications and the willpower to make a difference. That catapulted me into opening the School of Fashion on February 28, 1965, in the Pietermaritzburg CBD."  

Starting with just 25 students and two lecturers, including herself as the head lecturer, she set out to create an institution where individuals, regardless of their backgrounds, could gain skills to become self-sufficient. However, pioneering a private institution during apartheid was fraught with challenges, she said.

"Being an Indian female with such grand ideas was daunting. The registration of the college was a monumental challenge, yet my determination, prayer, and willpower helped me persevere. These struggles shaped the ethos of my school, where diversity and collaboration have always thrived. I have welcomed students from various races, encouraging creative expression through the language of clothing."

Bhika said she realised her fashion was on the map when the college enrollment began to grow, she was invited to judge at competitions, and her students won national and international awards.

"They excelled and so did I."

She and her students have lent their expertise to events, including SA Fashion Week, London Fashion Week, and the Durban July.

Today, the school has more than 70 students and five lecturers. 

"While I am not lecturing full-time anymore, I find joy in overseeing an institution that has become a nurturing ground for hundreds of talented designers. I attribute this to a commitment to personal attention, heartfelt dedication, and the simple power of prayer. Our mission is to empower through education, and we aim to educate the nation in skills development, leading to entrepreneurship that can build South Africa's economy.”

The mother of three said while she always kept abreast of the latest fashion trends, she stayed true to her roots, often wearing a sari. "I believe that staying true to your roots is important and being different is powerful." 

As she looks ahead, Bhika remains more than ready to tackle the future. 

“I am too young to retire. I want to continue to make a positive and lasting impact on people's lives and in the fashion industry. And now, celebrating 60 years of a business is wonderful. What's special is the thousands of students whose lives are transformed by studying at our college. I am grateful for all the support from the community through the years and for my graduates and students who continuously make me proud." 

She is married to Bharath Bhika, now late, and their children are Mischal Bhika, an attorney; Shivalee Hurrinarian, a financial and event Manager; and Nivasha Bhika Beharie, a fashion lecturer, assessor and moderator for fashion in Gauteng and the managing director of the School of Fashion. 

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