Thanks to a donation from the Technology Innovation Agency, CPUT now boast the latest 3D design technology software for clothing product development.

This cutting-edge technology is revolutionizing clothing production, by helping the industry to cut down on prototype cost.

The software, which is housed at the Technology Station in Clothing and Textiles, allows a designer to develop a pattern on a CAD system and then develop a 3D simulation of a garment that can be shown on a virtual mannequin. 

Head of the station, Shamil Isaacs says the new software will allow them to provide innovative support to SMMEs.

And to ensure staff has the know-how, Prof Michael Ernst of the University of Niederrhein in Germany recently spent a week showing the station’s staff along with their colleagues from the Fashion and Clothing and Textile Technology Departments how to operate the software.

Prof Ernst, who holds the chair in Textile Product Development at his university, says the software is being used across the word and is proving to be a success.

He says the possibilities are endless, allowing users to do various adjustments on the virtual mannequin before producing a product. Users can change styles, sizes and even the type of materials.

Prof Ernst says the software will make a huge impact on teaching and learning at CPUT.

By Candes Keating

Written by CPUT News
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Small business owner Fundiswa Ngoma is making her name in the clothing and textile industry thanks to CPUT.

Ngoma is just one of the many small businesses that have been given a lifeline by the university’s Technology Station in Clothing and Textiles (TSCT).

Based at the Bellville Campus, the TSCT provides innovation support to the clothing and textile industry and is changing the face of the industry, one small business at a time.

Their innovative teaching methods is a huge success and Ngoma, who run runs Queen Bee’s, a Khayelitsha-based school clothing manufacturer company, can testify to that.

A chemist by trade, this CPUT alumnus spent several years working in her field in Johannesburg, but a move to back Cape Town saw her change her career path and start her own business. Keen to boost her business, Ngoma turned to the TSCT for help.

The TSCT assisted Ngoma with creating customized patterns, helped her to improve the production process and put her in touch with suppliers in the industry.

“My sense of imagination and creativity was challenged, but the TSCT is helping me to kinder that creativeness,” she says.

From just working with two schools, Ngoma now boasts a staff of 10 and supplies 10 schools with uniforms and sportswear and hopes to expand her business.

“I call the TSCT my big brother. They have held my hand throughout this process,” she says.

CPUT’s Daniel Abrahams, who has worked closely with Ngoma, says they analysed her specific situation and zoned in on the areas that needed attention.

Abrahams says they will continue to work with Ngoma, who has also enrolled for one of their part-time courses.

Other small business in the clothing and textile industry that are in need of innovative support can contact the Technology Station in Clothing and Textiles at  +27 (0)21 959 6826 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. / This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

For more information on the services on offer, visit their website.

Written by Candes Keating
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Provides coverage for the Engineering and Applied Sciences Faculties; the Bellville and Wellington Campuses, and research and innovation news.