Limkokwing uncages Botswana fashion future
Johannes Kambai | Tuesday June 30, 2026 11:55
Limkokwing University of Creative Technology in Botswana proudly hosted its inaugural final-year student-led fashion show on Saturday. The event marked a significant milestone for the institution and the nation’s burgeoning creative industry. Titled Creativity Uncaged: Runway Edition, the event transformed the runway into a vibrant celebration of talent, resilience, innovation, and the limitless potential of Botswana’s next generation of designers.
For the participating students, the evening was far more than a graduation requirement; it was a powerful launchpad into the professional world. Fashion design student Nasel Mark described the show as a pivotal moment for emerging designers and a bold statement about the enduring strength of Limkokwing’s creative community. “Being a Limkokwing student studying fashion design made this night very important,” Mark said. “It launches other designers into the industry. It shows first and foremost that Limkokwing is not dead. It reminds people that we have been here, we are here, and we are changing the industry. The next generation is here, and it comes from Limkokwing', Mark stated.
As a male designer in a predominantly female-dominated field, Mark also used the platform to address deeper societal issues. For instance, he encouraged young Batswana, especially men, to break free from societal expectations and pursue their passions without compromise, noting that conformity often creates an unfortunate imbalance in the industry. “It is never too late to follow your dreams,” he emphasised. “Fashion is a whole industry that employs accountants, photographers, designers, cleaners, and many others. You don’t necessarily need to be a fashion designer to be in the industry; you just need to do what you do best and find where you fit in the fashion cycle.”
Fellow final-year student Peo Angel Maedza presented her deeply personal brand, Pam Nkadi. The name is an abbreviation of her full name, with “Nkadi” honouring her late grandmother. As the first grandchild, Maedza transformed this family legacy into a creative inheritance, crafting collections rooted in cherished memories — both joyful and sorrowful. The road to the runway was demanding, involving countless sleepless nights, yet Maedza said the emotional payoff was profound. Overwhelmed by the moment, she was moved to tears during the show, only to be met with enthusiastic appreciation from the audience for her outstanding designs.
Her advice to aspiring young designers was heartfelt and faith-driven: “Never give up. Keep continuing and have hope in the Lord. One can get tired, but with God’s strength, belief, and faith, you really can push through. Don’t sleep on opportunities — regret follows inaction.” Looking ahead, Maedza has already launched her brand commercially and is planning future shows.
The Creativity Uncaged runway edition showcased how Limkokwing students are not only ready to compete on professional stages but are doing so while staying deeply rooted in personal narratives and Botswana’s cultural identity. Through their work, both Nasel Mark and Peo Angel Maedza illustrated that fashion is far more than clothing — it is a powerful medium for storytelling, self-expression, and cultural preservation. This pioneering student-led initiative has set a new benchmark for future cohorts and further solidified Limkokwing University’s position as a leading hub for creative innovation in Botswana. As these talented graduates step into the professional arena, the local fashion industry and the country at large stand to gain immensely from their vision, determination, and unwavering perseverance.