As part of its 50-year celebration South Africa’s biggest fast-food brand, KFC, turned its focus to a creative challenge that was aimed at aspiring young designers and the fashion forward in Mzansi. Through the Streetwise Culture Crew initiative, KFC supported creatives in South Africa by providing a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for them to collaborate with KFC, to be mentored by talented designer Slaying Goliath aka David Tshabalala and to create a range of Limited-Edition Streetwise gear inspired by Mzansi’s Street Culture.
The search was on to crown a fresh trio of young, up-and-coming culture creators who define the future of street culture in SA. After 3 weeks, over 340 entries and a whole lot of inspiration, three talented designers have been chosen – congratulations to Mzwanele Fani, duo Karabo Phakathi and Senzo Nkabinde and Morena Moletsane.
All three selected designers have won the grand prize of R30 000, a mentorship by David Tshabalala and the opportunity to design a limited-edition t-shirt that will go on sale nationally via KFC SA’s first Insta-pop up store in November this year. Talk about hitting the streets running! They will also take home the sale proceeds of their gear sale while benefiting from the unique opportunity to profile their talent nationally through KFC’s social platforms including brand profiling through radio interviews, and bragging rights as the first design members of the KFC Streetwise Culture Crew.
Senior Marketing Manager at KFC, Hloni Mohope, who leads the Streetwise brand team said that selecting the three winners was no easy feat: “Many young creatives who entered the challenge showcased inspirational creativity and the true talent that represents South Africa’s street culture diversity. However, in the end, only three passion-pushers were able to win the grand prize, as judged by the KFC Streetwise Culture committee including campaign partner David Tshabalala.”
Mzansi, meet the three winners and new members of the KFC Streetwise Culture Crew:
Mzwanele Fani (@mwanelefani) is a graphic designer and visual artist from Gugulethu in Cape Town. His passion was born from being a part of a creative family that planted the seed for his love for the arts. When asked about being selected as a winner of the challenge, Fani said; “I’m super excited about winning, this is a start to a great future for my career. Thank you so much KFC.”
Karabo Phakathi, a young creative with a hunger for conceptual streetwear, and Senzo Nkabinde, an entrepreneur and streetwear designer are the founders of CancelWear (@cancelwear). This creative duo aim to provide affordable quality streetwear that showcases their unique creativity through their brand vision. “The Streetwise Culture Crew challenge is a life changing deal for us and for our brand. We’re more excited about the change KFC is actioning and what it will mean for our careers. It is great to be rewarded for hard work and consistency,” the duo stated.
Morena Moletsane (@kingmole_) is a digital designer and animator currently working in the financial sector. By night, he is an artist and illustrator, creating designs that express South African stories and people. Moletsane said; “KFC is a brand that resonates with my childhood. I saw the competition as an opportunity to share African stories and ideas through fashion apparel that relates to and would reach a wide South African audience.”
The KFC team are eager to celebrate the winners. Mohope said: “We want to congratulate our three winners who are our new members of the KFC Streetwise Culture Crew, but also want to acknowledge every young designer that entered,” says Mohope. “We were bowled over by the raw passion, talent and hard work put into every design. We launched this campaign because KFC has become a fibre of street culture in SA and we want to support the incredible culture in Mzansi. South Africa can be proud of the diversity shown in our youth’s creativity. A heartfelt ‘Thank you’ to everyone who shared their amazing creations with us. The future of Mzansi’s street culture is in great hands!” finishes Mohope.
Keep a look out on the KFC SA socials to show your support for their creative talent and to get your hands on a unique piece of merch. Make sure to join our winners’ social media circles to follow their journey and stay on trend with KFC’s Streetwise Culture Crew.
