UKZN Student Wins National Green Campus Initiative Title
Despite having no formal fashion design training, Shabalala grew up with a passion for sewing, but never took the art form seriously until he was tasked with designing and creating outfits for the GCI
• UKZN student, Funeka Shabalala, has won the Sustainable Fashion Designer of the Year title at the national Green Campus Initiative,
• A fashion designer with no formal training, he creates innovative designs using biodegradable waste,
• Shabalala hopes to become a registered nurse and a sustainable fashion designer in the future.
Funeka Shabalala, a first-year Bachelor of Nursing student at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), has won the Sustainable Fashion Designer of the Year title at the national Green Campus Initiative (GCI).
A self-taught fashion designer, Shabalala specialises in creating innovative designs from used shopping bags, paper, and plastic, all of which are biodegradable.
The GCI is a national university initiative aimed at promoting sustainability and environmental awareness amongst students, by encouraging them to develop innovative projects that reduce waste and promote green living.
More than 300 students and 120 staff members representing 21 universities from across South Africa attended the national competition, where Shabalala was crowned Sustainable Fashion Designer of the Year.
Shabalala, who initially studied for a Bachelor of Arts degree, was first introduced to the GCI competition in 2025, when UKZN’s Department of Student Residences (DSRAs) encouraged all UKZN residences to participate in a fashion show promoting environmental sustainability by repurposing waste materials into garments.
“My fellow House Committee members encouraged me to enter and create garments because they saw the potential and creativity I possessed,” Shabalala said.
Despite having no formal fashion design training, Shabalala grew up with a passion for sewing, but never took the art form seriously until he was tasked with designing and creating outfits for the GCI competition.
“That day, my garments won first place, and my models were crowned Mr and Ms UKZN GCI Ambassadors.”
Shabalala says that day solidified his belief in his talent, as he went on to win another university GCI event before being selected as one of 10 students representing UKZN at the GCI nationals held at the University of the Witwatersrand (WITS).
“Winning at the national GCI event was one of the most humbling moments of my life.
“To be recognised as the top designer among students representing universities from across the country was something I never imagined, and I feel incredibly honoured, grateful, and genuinely overwhelmed,” Shabalala said.
The 21-year-old, who hails from uMnambithi (Ladysmith), aspires to become a registered nurse while also building a career in sustainable fashion.
“Both these fields have strengthened qualities in me such as discipline, attention to detail, problem-solving, compassion, and resilience,” Shabalala said. “These qualities have shaped the way I approach fashion design and remind me that both nursing and sustainable fashion are about improving lives and making a positive impact.”
Dr Normah Zondo, Executive Director of the Corporate Relations Division, congratulated Funeka on his achievement.
“His dedication to sustainable fashion brings pride to UKZN and also serves as an inspiration to others to become responsible stewards of the environment. We look forward to witnessing the continued impact of his work in advancing sustainable solutions.
“Funeka’s work also aligns with the University’s commitment to developing socially conscious and innovative graduates who are equipped to address complex local and global challenges with practical, forward-looking solutions,” Zondo said.
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