Where others saw waste, Funeka Shabalala saw an opportunity to create something beautiful. The UKZN nursing student recently tapped into his creative side, blending a passion for fashion with a commitment to the environment to craft striking designs that have earned him a national win!
KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa (22 July 2026) – Where most people might see an empty cereal box or a used plastic shopping bag as something to throw away, Funeka Shabalala sees the potential to transform it into a work of fashionable art.
The first-year Bachelor of Nursing student at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) is also a self-taught fashion designer who specialises in creating innovative designs from used shopping bags, paper and plastic – giving everyday discarded materials a new lease on life, all while using biodegradable materials.
He recently entered his work into the national Green Campus Initiative (GCI), a university initiative aimed at promoting sustainability and environmental awareness among 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 recently held national competition. Funeka’s work not only wowed the crowds but also impressed the judges to ultimately win the Sustainable Fashion Designer of the Year title!
Funeka, 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,” the young creative said.
Despite having no formal fashion design training, he 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.”
Funeka says that win 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).
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“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. For him, both fields have strengthened his discipline, attention to detail, problem-solving, compassion, and resilience.
“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.”
UKZN’s Executive Director of the Corporate Relations Division, Dr Normah Zondo, congratulated Funeka on his achievement, saying that his dedication to sustainable fashion brings pride to UKZN and also serves as an inspiration to others to become responsible stewards of the environment.
Sources: University of KwaZulu-Natal
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