Fashion potential source of employment – Minister

By Chris Loka, Contributor:

Deputy Ministry of Labour Vera Kamtukule said the government is determined to fully support the fashion industry in the country describing it as one potential sources of employment among the youth.

Kamtukule said this on Friday when she graced the sixth edition of Mzuzu Fashion Week held at Malville Boutique Hotel in Lilongwe.

Mzuzu Fashion Week started on Monday with activities running online with the climax being an event in Lilongwe.

Kamtukule said apart from job creation, the industry has the potential to boost the economy of the country through export.

However, she encouraged emerging fashion designers in the country to look into the fashion industry with a positive eye saying it is an integral element in the society.

“Let us change our mindset and focus on the positive sides of fashion. With resources that we have as Malawians, we have what it takes to compete on international level,” she said

Mzuzu Fashion Week Co-founder Zikani Nyirenda hailed people for patronising the event.

“I am very happy that people came in large numbers to appreciate the talent that young Malawians have in as far as fashion is concerned. This is an indication that we really need to take fashion as a serious industry that can boost the economy of the country and also help the government in creating one million jobs,” Nyirenda said.

Nyirenda said they will continue bringing together both emerging and established fashion designers to showcase their works.

Hosted by Zodiak’s TV presenter Ruth Kulaisi, people had a chance to sample designs by among others, Wala Designs , Agness Maliana from Mzuzu, Alinafe Misomali from Lilongwe and Zargue’sia from Zimbabwe.

Mzuzu Fashion week was established in 2015 to create a platform where designers, Models and other fashion industry professionals nationally and internationally can meet to appreciate new innovations in the industry.

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