Mthokozisi Ncube mthokoncube3015@gmail.com
Organisers of the Mapressa Glam and Fashion Show have unveiled the judging panel for the fifth edition of the event, taking place in Midrand, South Africa. Fashion experts, media professionals, and entertainment figures are expected to bring experience and industry insight to the fast-growing fashion platform.
The panel features renowned fashion designer Qophumlando Nkehli, Botswana-based media and branding specialist Bokamoso Xavier, and award-winning musician, dancer and entrepreneur Sandra Ndebele. Fashion designer Qophumlando Nkehli, popularly known as Zwide Kalanga Umkhatshwa, returns as a judge for the third consecutive year, having served on the panel during the third and fourth editions of the show. Nkehli is the founder and chief executive officer of Lady & Peaceman’s Academy of Fashion Designs in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. She is also involved in community development work through the Sisonke Foundation and the James Nkehli Foundation.
Speaking ahead of the event, Nkehli said she was encouraged by the steady growth of local fashion talent.
“I’ve been part of Mapressa Glam for previous editions, and I can confidently say the standard of competition continues to rise every year. Designers are now paying more attention to finishing, structure and detail, and many are confidently using local fabrics in glamorous and creative ways.
“What has impressed me most is the level of handwork and dedication that contestants are putting into their garments,” she said.
Nkehli said her judging criteria will focus on craftsmanship and originality.
“My role on the panel is to judge the outfits purely on design, craftsmanship and stage impact. I use a 100-point system focused on construction, originality, fabric quality and overall memorability.
A strong garment starts with proper construction because poor finishing immediately shows on stage. Beyond that, I look for creativity, confidence and garments that perform well under lights,” she said.
She added that Mapressa Glam has grown into a key platform for emerging designers.
“Mapressa Glam stands out because it gives upcoming designers a professional runway experience with proper staging, lighting and media coverage. It creates opportunities for young talent to be seen by industry professionals and helps transform fashion from a hobby into a serious profession,” said Nkehli.
Joining the panel for the first time is Bokamoso Xavier, a media and branding specialist with experience in communications, public relations and marketing. Xavier said the platform plays an important role in nurturing young creatives.
“Mapressa Glam goes beyond being just a beauty and fashion event. It is a platform that nurtures talent, builds confidence and creates real opportunities for growth. I’ll be looking for confidence, authenticity, professionalism and strong stage presence because those qualities are important for anyone who wants to succeed in the industry,” she said.
She encouraged young creatives to remain disciplined and committed to their craft.
“Success in this industry requires patience, consistency and a willingness to keep learning. Young creatives must build their personal brands, remain professional and stay true to themselves because authenticity is what makes people stand out,” said Xavier.
Organisers of the Mapressa Glam and Fashion Show have unveiled the judging panel for the fifth edition of the event, taking place in Midrand, South Africa. Fashion experts, media professionals, and entertainment figures are expected to bring experience and industry insight to the fast-growing fashion platform.
The panel features renowned fashion designer Qophumlando Nkehli, Botswana-based media and branding specialist Bokamoso Xavier, and award-winning musician, dancer and entrepreneur Sandra Ndebele. Fashion designer Qophumlando Nkehli, popularly known as Zwide Kalanga Umkhatshwa, returns as a judge for the third consecutive year, having served on the panel during the third and fourth editions of the show. Nkehli is the founder and chief executive officer of Lady & Peaceman’s Academy of Fashion Designs in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. She is also involved in community development work through the Sisonke Foundation and the James Nkehli Foundation.
Speaking ahead of the event, Nkehli said she was encouraged by the steady growth of local fashion talent.
“I’ve been part of Mapressa Glam for previous editions, and I can confidently say the standard of competition continues to rise every year. Designers are now paying more attention to finishing, structure and detail, and many are confidently using local fabrics in glamorous and creative ways.
“What has impressed me most is the level of handwork and dedication that contestants are putting into their garments,” she said.
Nkehli said her judging criteria will focus on craftsmanship and originality.
“My role on the panel is to judge the outfits purely on design, craftsmanship and stage impact. I use a 100-point system focused on construction, originality, fabric quality and overall memorability.
A strong garment starts with proper construction because poor finishing immediately shows on stage. Beyond that, I look for creativity, confidence and garments that perform well under lights,” she said.
She added that Mapressa Glam has grown into a key platform for emerging designers.
“Mapressa Glam stands out because it gives upcoming designers a professional runway experience with proper staging, lighting and media coverage. It creates opportunities for young talent to be seen by industry professionals and helps transform fashion from a hobby into a serious profession,” said Nkehli.
Joining the panel for the first time is Bokamoso Xavier, a media and branding specialist with experience in communications, public relations and marketing. Xavier said the platform plays an important role in nurturing young creatives.
“Mapressa Glam goes beyond being just a beauty and fashion event. It is a platform that nurtures talent, builds confidence and creates real opportunities for growth. I’ll be looking for confidence, authenticity, professionalism and strong stage presence because those qualities are important for anyone who wants to succeed in the industry,” she said.
She encouraged young creatives to remain disciplined and committed to their craft.
“Success in this industry requires patience, consistency and a willingness to keep learning. Young creatives must build their personal brands, remain professional and stay true to themselves because authenticity is what makes people stand out,” said Xavier.
