2011 SABS Design Achievers Award 

Two University of Johannesburg students from the Faculty of Art, Design and Architecture (FADA) were selected as finalists in the 2011 SABS Design Achievers Award. As finalists, Peggy Ntsepe (third year Graphic Design) and Leonard Lindeque (third year Fashion Design) participated in the Design Achievers Workshop from 15 to 19 June 2011.

In 1987 the SABS Design Institute established the annual Design Achievers Awards scheme which identifies young design leaders and introduces them to key industry networks.

This scheme distinguishes itself from other design awards through its national and multidisciplinary character and its emphasis on entrepreneurship and leadership ability, in addition to creative excellence. Entries are received from across South Africa from all recognised educational institutions offering design courses.

The Design Achievers scheme introduces finalists to current professional issues and imparts unique skills that can fast-track their careers. It involves interactive adjudication sessions, workshops on entrepreneurship, intellectual property, personal development, professional practice and peer monitoring.

In their respective entries, Leonard and Peggy identified a business opportunity and applied design expertise to develop an innovative solution. The business opportunity needed to be a viable commercial venture addressing a social, environmental, industrial or cultural challenge currently experienced in South Africa or further afield in Africa.

Peggy’s submission, the Bana Pele campaign, aims to develop an education scheme highlighting the benefits of poverty alleviation programmes.

Leonard’s proposed business aims to co-design fashion jewellery products with rural women to create job opportunities for unemployed women.

“Every year we generally have students who do well in this competition. It is lovely to get the recognition, but the real benefit lies in the student participation in the workshops - this sets them on the path to becoming tomorrow’s design leaders.” says Lauren van der Merwe, Marketing Co-ordinator for the UJ Faculty of Art, Design and Architecture.