9 May 2025
In the heart of the Western Cape Winelands, creativity is being stitched into the fabric of sustainability. Hesmari van Deventer (42), a mom from Montagu, transformed discarded Sixty60 and Checkers plastic shopping bags into dazzling, award-winning outfits – and a matching bouquet – in just four days.
Inspired by her son’s desire to support his girlfriend, 17-year-old Beate van Wyk, as she prepared to shine on the runway at the Meneer en Mejuffrou Boland modelling competition, Van Deventer crafted a stunning upcycled dress and a matching jacket, showcasing her talent and a commitment to recycling.
“Beate wanted to do something with Sixty60 bags, and initially she wanted overalls, but I said ‘No, you need to get points for creativity! So, let’s go big!’ In the end, it was a wonderful challenge, because I love being creative and enjoy trying new things.”
- Hesmari van Deventer (42), a mom from Montagu
Beate van Wyk and Jacques Brand modelling in Sixty60 gear on stage during the Meneer and Mejuffrou Boland competition.
After donning these cleverly upcycled outfits on Thursday evening, Beate, a matriculant from Paarl Girls’ High School and her modelling partner, Jacques Brand (18), a fellow-matriculant from Boland Landbouskool, the Sixty60-themed duo received raving reviews from the audience as they showed up on an apt scooter. Van Wyk and Brand were also named Meneer en Mejuffrou Kreatief (Mr and Miss Creative) following their spectacular performance during the “From Trash” themed event category.
Sixty60’s paper bags are Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified, and in 2021 Checkers launched a South African supermarket first with a recycling initiative that allows customers to return their used bags with Sixty60 drivers for recycling.