TWELVE strong women have inspired a young designer to create and name a range of patterns celebrating their leadership styles.
Abstract visual artist and graphic designer, Xolela Madlanga, launched her ‘I Am’ range of scarves throughout Heritage Month, in co-operation with the Fabric Bank.
“This collection celebrates women in leadership who make way for those coming after them, take time to mentor others and aiming at leaving an impact on the lives of other women. It is honouring 12 women in my life who have, literally, contributed to who I am, in so many different ways,” said Madlanga.
“They share their time and mentor, guide, and nurture. They are women of faith, integrity, and principle, professional women who want to pass on those skills and are a survival support system for the people around them.”
Although she now lives in Johannesburg, Madlanga studied in Gqeberha, taking commerce – not art – at Nelson Mandela University.
By the time she had finished her accountancy degree in 2018, she knew she wanted to move in a creative direction.
“When I was still in my second year at university, I would volunteer at my residence to do all the posters, invites, and graphics, because I hated ugly posters,” she recalled.
From then on, the self-taught artist started to create more and more, later enrolling in an interactive online graphic design and typography course to learn what she needed to improve her skills.
The name of the collection, ‘I Am’, is linked to her identity as a young career woman.
“A lot of my philosophy about leadership, and what I believe about myself, and want to teach other women around me, is based on these women.
“I’ve been surrounded by incredible women all my life. They are people who took me under the wing, who made time for me,” said Madlanga.
Each of the 12 designs has a theme based on her experience of that person.
“One of the things that I absolutely love is how many of these traits they share.
“As I unravel the different stories, I hope you find yourself in one of them, or that it reminds you of someone in your life,” she said.
Several of the 12 women have a connection to Nelson Mandela University, Madlanga’s alma mater.
She remembers Dr Muki Moeng, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Learning and Teaching at Nelson Mandela University, for example, taking the time to address students in the residence where she was working.
“I can’t really remember what the topic was, but she came out in the evening, as a parent and a busy academic, to speak to my students. She is amazing, she always makes herself available when she can.”
‘Leadership’ is the trait given to Dr Moeng’s design, which has the description: “A visionary with a heart for people. Determined, virtuous, and decisive, a leader people can trust and admire. She is daring in her pursuits, humble, and regal.”
She recalled how another mentor, Nelson Mandela Bay PR specialist, Michelle Brown, always went beyond the call of duty.
“I won a prize of mentorship with her, but even after that concluded she was always willing to help me, to give advice, share knowledge, and introduce me to people,” she said.
Guided by the Fabric Bank, Madlanga chose Armani satin, a material with a light and silky texture, and a slight stretch, for the 70cm square scarves.
“I really wanted to do something luxurious that people will be proud to wear,” she said.
Today Madlanga is a regional co-ordinator for Enactus, working with students and universities across Gauteng.
However, graphic design is still her passion, and she also designs Afrocentric-themed home decor, items of clothing, and corporate branding.
Madlanga hopes that the ‘I Am’ range may lead to other design projects.
“I’ve chosen 12 out of a multitude of women in my life who are exceptionally amazing. This for me is just the beginning!” the artist concluded.
For more information, contact Madlanga on 081 558 2100.
