Celebrating 60 years of fashion education: Priscilla Bhika’s impact staying true to her roots

AT THE age of 82, Priscilla Bhika has worked tirelessly to transform the fashion landscape in South Africa.

- CANDICE SOOBRAMONEY

PRISCILLA Bhika, then and now.

(Supplied)

This year her labour of love — the School of Fashion Design — in Pietermaritzburg, celebrated its 60th anniversary with a year-end fashion showcase.

Thirty young designers graduated by unveiling their collections on Saturday at the Platinum Hall.

As the founder and director of the School of Fashion Design, Bhika has, over the years, not only fostered a nurturing environment for aspiring designers, but has made a lasting impact on countless lives. Her journey from a young designer to a teacher, she said, was a testament to her vision and commitment to uplift women through education.

Born into a family of community leaders, Bhika originally hails from Richmond.

Her dad, Rugbeer Majies Singh, and mother, Adkumarie Ramdial Singh, were passionate about education. This drove her to pursue various tertiary qualifications, including nursing, education and fashion at the Johannesburg Academy of Fashion.

Although she initially ventured into nursing and social work, it was the harsh realities faced by many women that sparked her desire to create a platform where they could express themselves and uncover their talents.