Vega School Alum Helps Clean Up SA's Denim Industry

South Africa’s denim industry has long been criticised for its heavy water usage and negative environmental impact. The Vega School at Emeris uMhlanga Alumna Milan Comley is helping change that narrative.

At just 26, Comley is part of the team behind TruBlue, one of the country’s first eco-friendly denim laundries. TruBlue recycles up to 80% of the water used in production. She recently returned to The Vega School at Emeris uMhlanga to share with second year Design Studies (a module offered in various IIE Qualifications) students how sustainability is not only ethical, but also commercially powerful.

Comley studied towards her IIE Bachelor of Business Administration at The Vega School at Emeris uMhlanga from 2019 to 2021, where her passion for sustainability grew.

“My Innovation Module Lecturer David Kwaan sparked my interest in sustainability during lectures and discussions. I realised how strongly it aligned with my values. I love animals, the outdoors and people, and at the same time, our family clothing manufacturing business, Celrose Clothing, was facing a sustainability challenge. That’s what inspired me to further my studies,” said Comley who later completed a Masters in Sustainability Studies.

In 2022, she joined Celrose as its Sustainability and Marketing Manager, assisting with leading environmental initiatives in the manufacturing process. She also founded an animal rescue organisation, SAFE Foster Network. In August 2024, she co-founded CO AND CO, a company that produces sustainable denim and corporate wear.

Speaking to the second year students, Comley explained that sustainability in the clothing industry is a responsibility as well as a business opportunity.

“Clothing manufacturing has a reputation for harming the environment and exploiting people. Our goal is to change that. When companies invest in protecting people and the planet, it builds trust and creates stronger business opportunities,” she said.

One of the biggest environmental challenges is denim production. Comley explained that South Africa consumes about 14 million pairs of denim jeans each year, with an estimated 7 600 litres of water used to produce a single pair.

In response, Celrose developed TruBlue which significantly reduces water usage while using fewer hazardous chemicals and renewable energy.

Comley encouraged the students to see sustainability as an opportunity for creative innovation.

“The global sustainability industry is growing rapidly. This is the space for people who are creative, innovative and able to solve real-world problems,” she said.

Her relationship with The Vega School at Emeris uMhlanga continued long after she graduated and she regularly returns to speak to students. “I’m a big advocate for private institutions like The Vega School because they develop creative thinkers and disruptors. I wouldn’t have achieved what I have without the foundation I received at The Vega School”.

During her talk, Comley was joined by Nahama Mango (IIE Bachelor of Arts in Creative Brand Communications Alumna at The Vega School at Emeris uMhlanga) who recently completed her IIE Bachelor of Arts Honours in Design Leadership. Mango had conducted her postgraduate research at Celrose, exploring how design thinking could address sustainability challenges in manufacturing.

Both Alumni were invited to speak by Andy Swanepoel (Design Studies Module Lecturer at The Vega School at Emeris uMhlanga.

“In the second year Design Studies module, the students (across the Design disciplines: Interior Design, Communication Design, Experience Design, Motion Design and Digital Design) focus on real-world challenges such as sustainability and responsible and ethical design,” said Swanepoel.

“Having Alumni like Milan and Nahama share their experiences helps students see how theory learnt in lectures can be applied in industry. Because they once sat in the same lecturer rooms, their journeys are especially inspiring”.

Swanepoel was Mango’s postgraduate research study supervisor and worked closely with her. “It was so special to share her journey and to witness her joy when all her hard work paid off and she received news of her distinction for her research study”.

He was also Comley’s second year Creative Development Lecturer during the Covid-19 pandemic. “Much of our bond was formed during online lecture sessions, discussing art and artmaking. We have kept in touch, and shared our post graduate journeys as she completed her Masters and I my PhD”.