Thandubuhle Kweyama

Textile Technology technician with a Diploma from Durban University of Technology and 2+ years of hands-on experience in quality assurance, laboratory testing, and textile production. Experienced in testing fabric and garment properties according to SANS, SABS and ISO 9001 standards. Worked closely with retailers to improve product quality and understand the influence of fabric construction and finishing on final garment performance.

Enthusiastic about applying technical textile knowledge to the dynamic world of fashion quality assurance through this internship opportunity.

Laboratory Technician Intern at Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (2024-03 – 2025-03)

• Operate, calibrate, and troubleshoot textile laboratory instruments to ensure accurate testing.
• Conduct fabric and garment testing by using SABS and SANS standards.
• Perform specialized tests including acid resistance, flame resistance, tear strength, tensile strength, abrasion resistance, and air permeability.
• Assess colour fastness to various conditions (light, washing, perspiration, rubbing, chlorinated water), and evaluate colour change/matching using UV light.
• Test dimensional stability by measuring fabric shrinkage and extension before and after washing.
• Verify fibre composition using FTIR and chemical digestion methods for accurate material identification.
• Working with different retailers in product testing and product development by giving them clear guidance regarding test results and influence of fabric composition, finishing processes and weave design on final product.

Dyehouse Intern and Dyeing Machine Operator at Dyefin Textiles (2023-02 – 2024-02)

• Operated two dyeing machines while maintaining optimal Turn Around Time and troubleshooting technical issues.
• Followed 5S housekeeping principles and ensured clean, organized workstations.
• Monitored and adjusted dyebath parameters, including pH and Sg, at critical dyeing stages.
• Prepared dye batches manually (especially for Nylon and Spectra) and programmed fabric/chemical requirements in advance from the planning board.
• Managed batch releases via Orgatex system and documented technical issues through operator forms.

Diploma in Textile Technology – Durban University of Technology (2020-01 – 2022-01)

Matric Certificate NSC in Mathematics and Science