AFRIQUE DU SUD : Ces solutions qui changent la vie des habitants - Documentaire Complet - AMP
South Africa has a rich and complex history, marked by the arrival of Europeans in 1652, which initiated colonization and centuries of racial segregation. In 1948, apartheid was formalized, a regime that was eventually abolished in 1991. Three years later, Nelson Mandela became the first Black president of the Republic of South Africa. Before Mandela’s rise to power, Johannesburg's population was predominantly white, with Black residents restricted from moving around after certain hours and forced to return to dormitory townships like Soweto, located half an hour from the city center.
Today, Soweto is experiencing a wave of creative freedom, exemplified by a group of young fashion designers known as the "Smarties." This name, unrelated to the candy brand, describes their unique, colorful, and unconventional style, which aims to assert a distinct identity. Initially met with criticism and insults, the Smarties have succeeded in changing perceptions. They create their own clothes, often from scratch, and have all studied fashion design. Kepi, one of the Smarties, has a mother who is proud of their work, initially viewing it as children playing but now recognizing their growing success and income. She recounts an incident where someone criticized Sibou's appearance, to which she proudly declared him a stylist who could relook others. The Smarties emphasize that their clothing is for everyone, regardless of race, and that people should wear it because they genuinely like it, not to appear cool or conform. They also repurpose unsold items from stores, transforming them into new pieces like a t-shirt given a more feminine touch with fringes or a jacket turned into a backpack, demonstrating their creativity and resourcefulness.
