My CMT Journey – Charles
After finishing high school at Namulenga Secondary School in 2012in Malawi, I set my sights on a career in fashion. I enrolled at Sochi Technical College, where I spent five years mastering Fashion and Clothing Design.
In 2017, my dedication paid off — I was awarded a scholarship to Newcastle, South Africa, for hands-on training with experienced Chinese instructors. Out of many applicants, I was one of only 21 students selected.
That year of practical training opened my eyes to the possibilities of garment manufacturing. In 2018, I moved to Cape Town and decided to start my own fashion business. I began in a small space in Parklands, working alone for two years. The work was challenging but rewarding — and the demand for well-made garments confirmed that fashion was not only my passion but also a promising and marketable industry.
By the end of 2019, I invested in my first sewing machine. Slowly but surely, I added more equipment and built a talented team. Today, GFS Fashion House is thriving, is a registered business, and employs highly skilled fashion designers.
Together, we provide Cut, Make, Trim services for clients in Cape Town, Johannesburg, Durban, and across South Africa.