The search for Mzansi’s hottest designer is almost over as Nando’s Hot Young Designer (HYD) announces its top five finalists for 2024.
Kirsty Moolman, Tanisha Neill, Simphiwe Mlambo, Mpumelelo Nyuswa and Walter Train are now in the final stages of the competition and have to participate in an intensive “Laboratory of Learning” before one of them is selected to receive ongoing mentorship and business coaching.
Facilitated by Clout/SA, Nando’s HYD talent search is a bi-annual staple on South Africa’s design calendar.
For this round, entrants were tasked to answer a “Screen Dream” brief to create a screen or room divider that is functional, decorative and distinct, without forgetting the ambience of the restaurant.
“The HYD programme is dedicated to discovering and nurturing the next generation of South African design talent, helping them advance in their design and entrepreneurial journeys,” said Tracy Lynch, Clout/SA’s creative director.
“To support this mission, we wanted to get to know our top 10 a little better. At our introduction and live pitch session, they had the opportunity to meet us and connect with their fellow finalists.
“They also attended a Central Kitchen design tour, where they learnt about Nando’s interior design approach and the global marketplace created for curated SA design to flow from South Africa to the world.”
The winner of the competition will have their product listed on the online marketplace The Portal to Africa, a global platform where interior designers from across the world can source uniquely South African furniture.