Algene Koeberg lectures Cost and Management Accounting to third and fourth students, and also facilitates finance modules for the Nelson Mandela Business School, in the Faculty of Business and Economic Science.
“I really enjoy teaching accounting and business as a form of empowering the youth and encouraging entrepreneurship,” she says. “It is also such an enjoyable experience interacting with my students daily as I learn so much from them as well.”
Outside the classroom, Algene is perhaps better known as the designer behind CultureCut, a vibrant Gqeberha design and fashion label.
“CultureCut was founded out of my love for fashion design and our beautiful continent,” says Algene.
“CultureCut always references the African continent, whether in design, pattern or print as I believe that there are so many beautiful things that comes out of its corners and that the rest of the world is watching.”
Art and making things have been a passion for Algene since she was a young girl.
“The entire creative process is always so fascinating to me and I am so happy to be able to turn my own visions into pieces that people can be proud to wear.”
In addition to adult garments, Algene has a range of children’s clothing and décor items.
Sustainable fashion matters
Sustainability is also a key theme for CultureCut.
“As an artist who finds my inspiration from people and places, CultureCut’s foundation is built on sustainability by using only materials that are environmentally friendly.”
In addition to her lecturing and design commitments, Algene co-owns Yenza Strategic Solutions. This was founded out of the need for sustainable business development especially among youth, NPOs and young entrepreneurs.
“With the current economy, so many people are forced into entrepreneurship, but most may not have the skill to run and sustain their businesses,” says Algene.
“Having 20 years’ experience in business and finance, I help assist small businesses with strategic development, growth and sustainability.”
Paying it forward with mentoring
Algene is involved with two initiatives that empower and develop women: Vision4 Women and Higher Education Research Services South Africa (HERS-SA).
“Vision for Women is a woman and girl empowerment programme where we mentor high school girls around the Mandela Bay metropole,” she says.
Algene is a mentor on the programme, which aims to be a support system and provide guidance to these young girls as they navigate the challenges of everyday life.
HERS-SA focuses on a slightly different group of women as it is dedicated to the advancement and leadership development of women in the higher education sector.
“My role involves assisting other women in the sector for further development.
“Mentoring these young ladies and experienced colleagues is such an empowering experience for all parties involved because as women, we can feed so much off each other and learn from each other, which is so essential for mutual support.”
“As women, we balance so many different roles on a daily basis and we do it so effortlessly,” says Algene.
“We run homes, organisations and communities. We are powerful on our own and even more so together. It is therefore important to do what we love and that we celebrate ourselves and each other.
“May we continue to inspire the next generation to do even greater and more amazing things.”
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