BIZ Discussions (Emerging Designers Incuabtion programme 24-25)

MAY 2025

EMERGING DESIGNERS INCUBATION PROGRAMME 2024/2025

May 2025 Emerging Designers Incubation Programme 24/25 May 2025 Emerging Designers Incubation Programme 24/25

Editorial

Anelile Dlamini-Gibixego

Layout and Design Ndumiso Mthethwa ndumiso@bizdiscussionsmagazine.co.za

Managing director Coach Zoh P Mashabane zoh@bizdiscussionsmagazine.co.za

Biz Discussions magazine

@biz_discussionsmagazine www.bizdiscussionsmagazine.co.za

Emerging Designers Incubation Programme 24/25

Editor’s note

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Intro to KWANDE

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Event Reflections – a word from EDTEA

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Zendalo bespoke beadwork

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MRN Designs

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Sibalcool Creations

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Khanyos Crochet Studio

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Lester_M

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Buko Creative House

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Lishongololo

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Inqanawe

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Thamsanqa Innovations

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Handcrafted NgoThando

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NOMA Designs

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Luko Designs

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JB&B Creations

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EDITOR’S NOTE -Anelile Mandisa Dlamini-Gibixego Glitz and glam in business was the order of the day at the 2025 Kwande Festival Fashion Show. With serenading music and gracious performances, the fashion show took us directly to the New York Fashion week that we have seen on TV. What began as a group of small scale home-based seamstresses, ended up as a large-scale, fashion and designing bosses through the incubation programme run by RZD Training and Coaching company.

These incumbents came in wet behind the ears and left the programme as bright, certified and produced world-class garments to showcase.

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These students showed diligence, obedience and excellent work ethic to finish the programme

by EDTEA and made the most of their opportunity. Twenty five of them were successful and received their certificates on the night of the event, awarded by Honourable MEC of EDTEA KZN, Rev Musa Zondi, HOD Mr Nhlakanipho Nkontwana, DDG of Sector Development and Business Governance Ms Fikiswa Pupuma and Mr Mbongiseni Ndlela who is the Director of Sector Development.

Us at RZD Training and Coaching as well as BIZ Discussions, is extremely proud of the designers and wish them more success. May their creativity well never run dry and the doors of business, funding and clients remain open always.

Emerging Designers Incubation Programme 24/25

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.

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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. 03

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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.

MEC Rev. Musa Zondi (EDTEA KZN)

Mr. Nhlakanipho Nkontwana (KZN EDTEA)

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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.

Ms. Fikiswa Pupuma (KZN EDTEA)

Mr. Mbongiseni Ndlela (KZN EDTEA)

Emerging Designers Incubation Programme 24/25

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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.

+27 33 346 0603

Zendalo Bespoke Beadwork

+27 68 125 8654

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MRN DESIGNS

By Margaret Rofhiwa Nesemare

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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.

ounded 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.

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

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Sibalcool Creations

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.

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Designed by Sibalcool Creations 10

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“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.

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.

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.

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Designed by Khanyos Crochet Studio 12

Nokukhanya Ndlela ndlela.khanyo

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LESTER_M: TIMELESS ELEGANCE, AFRICAN INSPIRED

By Manazile Mathobela

May 2025

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.

Where tradition meets modernity, and style becomes a statement.

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Designed by Lester_M Lester 14

lester_0531

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BUKO CREATIVE HOUSE

By Nokwethaba Mazibuko

May 2025

Founded by Nokwethaba Mazibuko, Buko Creative House is a growing fashion brand for plus size women.

They saw a gap in the market and took the opportunity and seized it, they created trendy, fun and very versatile clothes for the everyday woman. “We cater to those who flow with the forecast, those who are always trendy, the ones who take each day as a chance to dress up. We basically aim to please” says Nokwethaba who lives by the quote: "For I know the plans I have for you, 'declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." -Jeremiah 29:11

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Designed by Buko Creative House 16

buko_creative_house Buko Creative House

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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

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Designed by L ishongololo Pty Ltd 18

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Zamokwakhe has achieved notable accomplishments, including: 3rd place at the BBE Conference and Business Awards 2023/24 Completed a certificate program in furniture making from Ikhono Improving Skills in 2021 Attended a 5-day leather craft training at ROGE Training Consultants in 2011 We were proud to participate in this year's Emerging Designers Incubation Program, gaining valuable opportunities for growth, networking, and exposure. The program allowed us to showcase our products and connect with other designers, providing a platform for us to expand our reach and develop our skills.

INQANAWE

By Zamokwakhe Cele Inqanawe Umkhumbi KaNowa, founded by Zamokwakhe Cele, is a company dedicated to creating high-quality, handmade leather products.

Since 2021, we have been crafting custom leather goods, including wallets, belts, shoes, bags, and accessories. Our products are made with the finest materials and traditional methods, ensuring each piece is both functional and beautiful. We prioritize quality and attention to detail, striving to meet our high standards Inqanawe Umkhumbi Kanowa 19

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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

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“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

Handcrafted NgoThando

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.

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Designed by NgoThando and Heir Ndosi Holdings 22

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NOMA Designs

By Nomthandazo Madolo

Nomthandazo Madolo is the CEO and Founder of NOMA DESIGNS, a business that creates beautiful garments for women by creating essential, unique, exquisite and highend clothing items that can be worn at events such as weddings (White and traditional), matric dances, evening functions, church conferences and many more.

The brand is all about setting a new standard of beauty that is not dependent on the male gaze but rather embraces feminism through our clothing. Noma is also a mentor to students from the Marianhill Monastery teaching them sewing and pattern making. She aims to continue being creative and to run this business until it is an international brand.

“My late dad has been my inspiration into studying fashion design because he was the only one person who really believed in me and encouraged me during my first year in varsity” says Noma who grew up loving to sew and mending her dolls’ clothes; especially transforming my grandmother's old dresses or pinafores to her own wearable skirts The quote that keeps me going even when times get tough is "The LORD shall open unto thee his good treasure, the heaven to give the rain unto thy land in his season, and to bless all the work of thine hand: and thou shalt lend unto many nations, and thou shalt not borrow". The particular scripture is found in Dueteronomy 28:12.

NOMA Designs

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Designed by Noma Designs 24

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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

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

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’.

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

Awards 2nd Prize

wear to haute couture.

2nd runner

Top 5 finalist

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Durban business fair exhibition 2014-future leaders awards 2014 Top 11 finalist - Ithala Inkunz’ísematholeni youth in business awards 2015 - Ithala Imbokodo

iyazenzela women in business awards 2015 Top 20 finalist - Ithala imbokodo iyazenzela women in business awards 2016 Top 10

- Best female dressed Durban

July 2023 Top 3

- Best Couple dressed Durban

July 2024 – Best Male dressed Durban July 2024

Luko designs luko_designs

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Designed byLuko Designs 26

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By Thabisile Ngobese JB&B Creations is a fashion house based in Durban, Umlazi township, established to create couture garments for women of all sizes and ages. They produce wedding gowns, matric dance dresses and designs for every special occasion

Jb&b Creations was established in 2024 was founded by Thabisile Ngobese. The name of the company came as an honour to my late mother Jabu Bhikili and my Father Bonginkosi who supported me so much in my fashion journey.

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P R O G R A M M E

Njabs Zwane

May 2025

D I R E C T O R S

Khaya Mthethwa

E N T E R T A I N M E N T

Mondli Ngcobo

Nelisizwe Sikhosana

Kwazi Ndlangisa

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May 2025

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Emerging Designers Incubation Programme

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E M E R G I N G

D E S I G N E R S I N C U B A T I O N P R O G R A M M E 2 4 / 2 5

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