DURBAN – There were scenes of jubilation, emotional embraces and tears of happiness as Mlungisi Ndlovu from Durban University of Technology (DUT) was named winner of this year’s Young Designer Award sponsored by Metro FM at the Hollywoodbets Durban July on Saturday.

Earlier, the romance of the countryside, the elegance of couture and the dreams of South Africa’s next generation of fashion designers all came together in spectacular style as the finalists showed off their creations one last time before the top three were announced.

Ndlovu captivated the judges with an incredible Nguni-inspired design. Drawing inspiration from the colours of the iconic animal, the winning garment featured the shapes and textures of the official ‘Country Allure’ theme through contemporary couture. Showcasing exceptional craftsmanship, intricate detailing and confident storytelling, the design beautifully reflected this year’s theme.

“I can’t believe it. It feels unreal. I am happy but I can’t believe this is happening. I really didn’t think I had a chance,” said Ndlovu, who stained the fabric with coffee to create the winning effect.

As the overall winner, Ndlovu will receive a fashion travel package to Johannesburg to experience SA Fashion Week 2026, courtesy of Race Coast and SA Fashion Week, R70 000 in bursary funding from the Hollywood Foundation towards existing or future studies, as well as R10 000 in cash courtesy of Race Coast and Schweppes, and a Kryolan Professional Make-Up voucher valued at R2 500.

Second place went to iGoda incubator student Dalisu Vumase who was over the moon. “I have no words,” said a clearly emotional Vumase. Hailing from Esikhawini township near Empangeni, Vumase said he had turned to fashion design as a means to create his own employment.

His strips of colour-crafted fabric, captured the Country Allure brief, combining originality, technical skill and contemporary flair.

He will receive R50 000 in bursary funding from the Hollywood Foundation, R3 000 in cash courtesy of Race Coast and Schweppes, and a Kryolan Professional Make-Up voucher valued at R2 000.

In third place, Thato Selekane’s, design featured iconic grey river beads, and was inspired by the Pedi culture. Selekane, also from Durban Institute of Technology, was overjoyed with her achievement. Her imaginative creation completed a remarkable showcase of South Africa’s emerging fashion talent.

Reflecting the outstanding quality of this year’s competition, each of the ten finalists also received R2 000 in cash, courtesy of Race Coast and Schweppes.

Beyond recognising individual achievement, the Hollywoodbets Young Designer Award continues to cultivate the future of South African fashion.

Vuyisile Ngobese, Hollywoodbets Foundation marketing manager said: “I am happy for the students from DUT who took first and third place. In second place was an iGoda Incubator fashion student. This is amazing, as this is a private college who only joined the competition last year.”

“I am excited by the future for the fashion industry. The Young Designers Awards, sponsored by Metro FM, provides a platform and support for our young designers in so many ways … and more importantly an avenue for success,” said Ngobese.

She acknowledgement of the role educational institutions play in nurturing emerging talent, stating that the college represented by the overall winner will receive a R30 000 grant from Race Coast to further strengthen its fashion design programme and support the next generation of creative visionaries.

Umgungundlovu TVET head of fashion Martin Steenkamp, said: “While it is important to win, it is also important to realise that the competition is also about learning and receiving exposure.”

The Hollywoodbets Young Designer Award, sponsored by Metro FM, has established itself as one of South Africa’s premier platforms for discovering tomorrow’s fashion leaders. Each year, it challenges students to transform a theme into wearable works of art, and this year’s Country Allure brief inspired a spectacular parade of garments celebrating pastoral beauty, heritage influences, artisanal craftsmanship and contemporary elegance.

The result was a runway filled with creativity, innovation and boundless promise for the future of South African fashion.

Results

1. Mlungisi Ndlovu modelled by Sinegugu Mabizela

2. Dalisu Vumase modelled by Monique Mukendi

3. Thato Selekane modelled by Sinenjabulo Magubane