INTRO TO KWANDE FEST
Once again, BIZ Discussions had the honour to attend the Annual KZN Kwande Festival hosted by the Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs held on the evening of the 13th of March 2025 at the Durban Exhibition Centre.
KZN KWANDE FESTIVAL is a creative economy, innovation and business initiative that uses collaboration, inclusion and knowledge sharing for people in the creative and technology industry value chains in KwaZuluNatal
The Kwande Festival Fashion show was aligned well with the overall theme for Kwande Fest 2025, Glocal vision and mainstreaming the orange economy The Kwande Festival Fashion Show aimed to provide support and mentorship outcomes for emerging designers in preparation for the fashion show.
However, that is not all that KWANDE stands for, it also means:
K -Knowledge
W – Wisdom
A – Advisory
N- Nurturing
D- Development
E-Entrepreneurship
Twenty-five designers showcased their fashion after an extensive training and mentoring from the RZD Training and Coaching Company The training that taught them to not only be creatives, but to excel as business people as well. They produced outstanding garments at a professional standard of fashion
This project has had a significant impact on the incubated business owners in multiple ways The recipients are now well equipped with tools for running their creative business professionally and efficiently. The course covers both the technical aspects as well as the administrative aspects We trust that with this training, mentoring and coaching have the full potential to seize the opportunity
The designers represented various districts and parts of Kwa Zulu Natal, showing that the ‘orange economy’ is relevant for diverse communities and areas They came to enjoy the Kwande festival, learn from the panels and most importantly grow their understanding and experience Many of them graduated on the night of the KWANDE EVENT and received certificates which will then expose them into the wild world of fashion. Today it is kwande fest, next will be South Africa fashion week, and soon, international stages will know them with the skills taught by RZD, some talent and hard work, the creative industry will definitely go GLOCAL.
EVENT REFLECTIONS
– A WORD FROM EDTEA
The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Economic Development, Tourism, and Environmental Affairs, MEC Rev Musa Zondi gave kind and affirming opening remarks to the attendees but mostly to the designer candidates who have been incubated, trained and equipped with the correct tools for business success He ensured them that EDTEA is fully behind their support and in growing the orange economy
Guests and the MEC were impressed by the professionalism and hard work and creativity of the designers It was a successful graduation ceremony for them
The designers were fully compliant with the business training and mentorship requirements They came from varying districts, namely, eThekwini (Umlazi), Ilembe (Ndwedwe), uMgungundlovu (Pietermaritzburg) and from UGU (Port Shepstone). They were all from previously disadvantaged backgrounds, 21 females and 1 male, one designer was physically disabled
Mr. Nhlakanipho Nkontwana (KZN EDTEA)
Ms. Fikiswa Pupuma (KZN EDTEA) Mr. Mbongiseni Ndlela (KZN EDTEA)
MEC Rev. Musa Zondi (EDTEA KZN)
ZENDALO BESPOKE BEADWORK
By Nokulunga Zulu
Zendalo bespoke beadwork specialises in creating high-quality handmade beaded jewellery and homeward items These beautiful and classy items are made by glass beads, seed beads, semi precious stones and crystals. “We are committed to blending tradition with contemporary fashion, catering to both local and international markets” says founder HRH Princess Nokulunga Zulu
MaZulu is highly knowledgeable in the bead-making business, she holds a Masters degree in Business management and is the self -taught beadwork designer with high level of creativity flair
Designed by by Zendalo
MRN DESIGNS
By Margaret Rofhiwa Nesemare
Founded by Margaret Rofhiwa Nesemare, MRN Designs aims to revolutionize the way we see waste She aims to transform discarded materials into high-value fashion accessories and personalized gifts proving that sustainability and style can go hand in hand.
For me, waste is not the end of a product’s life; it’s the beginning of something new. Through MRN Designs, I create timeless, readyto-give gifts that spark meaningful connections while offering a powerful solution to waste mismanagement. Every design tells a story of renewal, turning plastic waste into gems that honour both people and the planet, says founder.
MRN Designs pleads to businesses and individuals to join her in shaping the Green Economy Together, we are proving that fashion can be both beautiful and responsible one up-cycled creation at a time
S i b a l c o o l
C r e a t i o n s
By Nomfundo Dlamini
sibalcoolcreations
Sibal'cool Creations
Sibalcool Creations is founded by Nomfundo Dlamini who a passionate, creative, and driven individual is who believes in the power of fashion to tell stories and empower individuals “With a deep sense of love, care, and empathy, I infuse these qualities into every aspect of my work” says MaSibalukhulu on how she runs her business. Sibalcool Creations is not just a brand but a movement that celebrates African heritage with style and elegance
As the founder and designer of Sibalcool Creations, “I am committed to designing chic yet affordable Africaninspired fashion that is high quality, ensuring that every piece reflects authenticity, culture, and sophistication ”Nomfundo Dlamini. Through focus and determination, her brand has been spread far and wide, making timeless African fashion accessible while uplifting women and youth in the industry
Designed by Sibalcool
Khanyo’s Crochet Studio
By Nokukhanya Ndlela
Founded by Nokukhanya Ndlela, Khanyos Crochet Studio specialises in making garments from scratch through crochet This specialised skill creates very unique handmade products that are versatile; it is no longer only jerseys and scarves that are crocheted.
“I love to crochet and desire to turn it into a full time and global career, hopefully soon distributing to the whole of South Africa. I enjoy creating unique, handmade products. I find joy in creating, hoping customers will feel the love that I'm spreading through my work, handmade with love” says MaNdlela She wishes for her business to grow and other young women also join in the crochet business and one day to have institutions to teach crochet skills to the youth and train them
Taught by her mother, crochet is very close to her heart, “I've learnt to crochet from watching my mother do it: she didn't teach me but I watched her without realising I'm learning” says Nokukhanya on how her passion for crochet began
Proudly South African designs and sustainable practises are the future. Nokukhanya is ready to learn more about the craft and wishes to know all parts, including cotton making and commercialisation of the products Bringing joy and happiness to everyone who tries a product
LESTER M:TIMELESS ELEGANCE,AFRICAN INSPIRED
By Manazile Mathobela
Where tradition meets modernity, and style becomes a statement.
Lester M is a fashion brand that blends classic elegance with African heritage Specialising in women’s clothing, our designs celebrate timeless silhouettes infused with rich African prints and luxurious fabrics Each piece is crafted with precision, ensuring sophistication and versatility for the modern woman
“My journey in fashion began in childhood, handstitching clothes for dolls a skill that became a passion. After a fire destroyed my room and belongings, I turned to fashion design as a way to rebuild and express myself creatively That passion evolved into Lester M, a brand dedicated to redefining African fashion on a global scale while preserving cultural authenticity” says Manazile Mathobela, founder.
Beyond clothing, Lester M extends its artistry to accessories, and African Shoes (imbadada) With recognition from prestigious fashion incubators and showcases, we continue to grow, empowering women through fashion that embodies grace, confidence, and heritage
Designed by Buko Creative House
buko creative house
Buko Creative House
Lishongololo
By Lindiwe Thandiwe Bhengu
Lishongololo Pty Ltd was founded in 2018 by Lindiwe Thandiwe Bhengu with the intention to help the unemployed people of South Africa to develop their skills of sewing and garment making.
It started operating in 2021, with skills in Fashion designing level 1 and 2, professional sewing and tutoring other people on how to sew. Lindiwe Bhengu is well equipped with skills she gained from programmes with Empretec by SEDA (2024) and Emerging designer incubation by RZD Training and Coaching. As a result, Lishongololo is the best sewing school in KZN that is owned by a black young woman
Lishongololo Academy of fashion
Thamsanqa Innovations
By Nokwazi Happyness Thusi
Thamsanqa Innovations was founded in 2020 by Nokwazi Happyness Thusi. Thusi wishes to expand its business by creating more job opportunities and distributing all over South Africa. Thamsanqa Innovations specialises in:
●Traditional beads
●Beaded bags
●Beaded hairbands
●Beaded key holders
●Handmade Jewellery
“We also wish to be in the textile industry, and employ 80% of women in the business We want to be known as one of the biggest and best brands in the world.
Our mission is to celebrate and preserve African culture through highquality beadwork while creating sustainable economic opportunities for local artisans” says Nokwazi who has faced many health and financial challenges but continues to thrive in business
Our Vision is to become a leading brand in the beadwork industry by promoting cultural heritage and offering innovative, fashionable and durable products
Thamsanqa Innovations
“I also aim to encourage handwork skills as a sustainable way of living My passion and inspiration come from God Himself, as well as my love for the arts and research; combining both to address social issues that I relate to. I hope my art reaches people with the love and intention poured into it” Says passionate Deolinda
Handcrafted NgoThando
By Deolinda Ngcobo
Handcrafted by NgoThando is founded by 27 year old Deolinda Ngcobo. Creating handmade crochet clothing, accessories, art pieces, as well as paper mâché ornaments The aim for this business was to alleviate unsustainability in local businesses and ways of living by creating unique, and functional art
Handcrafted NgoThando
handcrafted ngothando
Designed by NgoThando and Heir Ndosi Holdings
Luko Designs
By Philisiwe Mpili Mkhwanazi
Lukoluhle Trading and projects (PTY)Ltd trading as Luko designs . Luko designs are modern fashion with a distinctive African element and a touch of fresh trendy colours Her designs are innovative, feminine, unexpected and yet very rooted in African heritage The Luko garments are for the conscious and confident fashionistas Her designs are versatile ranging from casual wear to haute couture
Luko Designs is a Mandeni (Kwa Zulu Natal) based fashion house that aspires to grow and develop upcoming fashion designers, founded in 2005 by Philisiwe Mpili Mkhwanazi a fashion designer At Luko designs they also provide sewing skills to potential students as a social program to uplift the community in that way equipping them with skills enabling them to establish their own enterprises creating jobs thus eradicating poverty and contributing towards the economy.
Luko has won several awards and hopes to continue growing and expanding the collections, their business is well running and efficient, focused on bigger and national recognition and over time to ‘go glocal’
Awards2ndPrize Top5finalistDurbanbusinessfairexhibition2014-future leadersawards2014
Top11finalist -IthalaInkunz’ísematholeni youthinbusinessawards2015
2ndrunner - IthalaImbokodo iyazenzelawomeninbusinessawards2015
Top20finalist - Ithalaimbokodoiyazenzela womeninbusinessawards2016
Top10 -BestfemaledressedDurban July2023
Top3 -BestCoupledressedDurban July2024–BestMaledressedDurbanJuly 2024
Luko designs
establishedin2024was foundedbyThabisile Ngobese.Thenameofthe companycameasanhonour tomylatemotherJabuBhik andmyFatherBonginkosi whosupportedmesomuch inmyfashionjourney.
JB&B Creations
jb_and_b_creations
By Thabisile Ngobese
JB&BCreationsisafashionhouse basedinDurban,Umlazitownship, establishedtocreatecouture garmentsforwomenofallsizesand ages.Theyproduceweddinggowns, matricdancedressesanddesignsfor everyspecialoccasion
Sbonginhlanhla Mpangase Magagula the founder of Baqaah Fashion Designer was born in Harding town and raised in a small location Enhlangwini studied my lower grades in this town an further my studies in Durban I was raised by my loving parents Nompumelelo and my late Father Daniel Mpangase
Baqaah is my mothers name so I’ve decided to name my business with her name because my mother is a successor my mentor my fighter I know with this name my business is going to be successful.
Baqaah Fashion is SouthAfrican based fashion business specializing in unique, high-quality and trendy setting garments for both women and men.
Our Brand blends modern fashion trends with African heritage catering to clients seeking customer made clothing for everyday wear, special occasions and cooperate events
Baqaah Fashion unleash your inner elegance, where sophistication meets individuality, strive to uplift and inspire it community while promotion sustainability and ethical practices
Baqaah Fashion is a proudly KwaZulu-Natal based 100% black owned fashion designer business dedicated to empowering women and men through elegant contemporary fashion.
Khaya Mthethwa
Njabs Zwane
Mondli Ngcobo
Nelisizwe Sikhosana
Kwazi Ndlangisa
