Nelson Mandela University alumni took centre stage at the BIG on Style: Baywest Fashion Showcase, held at Baywest Mall’s Centre Court in Gqeberha on Saturday, 8 August 2026. From production and presenting to modelling and fashion design, Mandela graduates played key roles in bringing the Women’s Month showcase to life.
From Left to Right: Delon le Roux (THE G.O.A.T GROUP Founder and BIG ON STYLE Production Manager and Strategic Consultant), Lindsay Davies (Baywest Mall Marketing Manager), Gail Brown (Show Choreographer & Stylist), and Henka De Freitas from DHC Projects (activation space decor) pose before Lights Up for The Baywest Mall Big On Style Fashion Showcase.
The event featured 42 models, more than 50 looks, 10 curated scenes and collections from 13 Baywest retailers. Produced by The G.O.A.T Group, in association with Baywest Mall Management and Sophisticate Models, the showcase was managed by Delon le Roux, an EMBA graduate of Quantic School of Business and Technology and a BA Media, Communication and Culture alumnus of Nelson Mandela University. Le Roux is the founder of The G.O.A.T Group and a former international model who has featured in Korean Vogue and Seoul Fashion Week.
Adding to the strong Mandela University presence was Roch-Lé Bloem, a Mandela University alumna and Algoa FM presenter, who hosted the showcase as Master of Ceremonies. Bloem holds a BA in Media, Communication and Culture and an Honours degree in Broadcast Journalism from the University.
The university’s influence extended to the fashion collection itself, with the Department of Visual Arts presenting Smoulder, an archival natural-fibre capsule collection by Pumelela Mlenze. Mlenze is a fashion and textile designer, Nelson Mandela University staff member and alumna who holds a Bachelor of Visual Arts specialising in Fashion and Textiles, as well as an Honours degree in Fashion Design from the University. The collection was presented alongside the 13 Baywest retailers, marking a significant opportunity to bring a Mandela University archival collection into a commercial retail fashion showcase.
From Left to Right: NMU graduate in Human Resources Management and Personnel Administration, entrepreneur, large-scale event specialist and health advocate, and a core cast member on Mzansi Magic's The Real Housewives of Gqeberha, accompanied by Clarise Stander, strike a pose on Baywest's BIG ON STYLE runway.
Several other members of the cast also have Mandela University connections and are building diverse careers across industries.
Cara Bez Lewis, a BCom Actuarial Science graduate from UCT, is currently completing an LLB through Nelson Mandela University. She is a former Swiss Re Africa marketing actuarial associate and co-founder of Femmeact, a webinar series supporting women in actuarial science.
Minx Guscott is completing a PhD in palaeoscience at Nelson Mandela University, where she also lectures in plant physiology, while advocating for women in STEM.
Gabi Baatjes, a PR, social media manager and the 2026 SPAR Women’s Challenge race ambassador, is currently completing a master’s degree in media studies.
Noma Nicol, a Mandela University alumna in Human Resources Management and Personnel Administration, is an entrepreneur, large-scale events specialist and health advocate, as well as a core cast member of Mzansi Magic’s The Real Housewives of Gqeberha.
Kelly Adams Milborrow, who holds a BA in Media, Communication and Culture from Nelson Mandela University, specialising in media production, is a prominent Gqeberha influencer and award-winning content producer. She also owns a hair salon and water retail venture and has a professional background in ballet.
From Left to Right: Gabi Baatjes, NMU alumna, Public Relations Manager, Multi-brand ambassador & Model in Big on Style and Delon le Roux, THE G.O.A.T GROUP Founder and BIG ON STYLE Production Manager and Strategic Consultant, celebrate in front of BAYWEST's Inspiration wall at the BIG ON STYLE fashion showcase held on Saturday 8 August.
For Le Roux, the showcase was more than a fashion event; it was an opportunity to celebrate the women who have influenced his journey and the opportunities that helped shape his career.
“I would not be where I am without the women who advocated for me. This show is my love letter to them.”
The showcase highlighted the depth of talent emerging from Nelson Mandela University, demonstrating how its graduates continue to make their mark across fashion, media, business, academia, communications and the creative industries.
#BaywestBigOnStyle #MandelaAlumni #MandelaUniversity #WomensMonth
Adapted from Delon le Roux