Kwa Zulu Natal South Coast’s fashion labels making an impact on the global stage
Three award-winning fashion designers from the KZN South Coast are proving that the world is eager for high-quality, locally crafted fashion. The labels Sistas Felas, S’theh, and Deon Zuider are blending elegant couture with African flair, demonstrating the international demand for expert craftsmanship, and the vast investment potential in the region’s fashion industry.
Sistas Felas
Since launching Sistas Felas in 2020, Makhosazane (Makhosi) Ntshangase has won multiple prestigious awards, including Designer of the Year 2024 from the Durban Fashion Fair; Amaqhawe Our Heroes 2024 Winner at Zee Entertainment Africa; and second-place for the National Presidential SMME & Cooperatives Awards 2023 for Women-Led Business.
Committed to township development, Makhosi collaborates with Trade & Investment KZN (TIKZN) and local government to provide skills and drive business creation through fashion. Supported by SEDA and Ray Nkonyeni Municipality, Makhosi organises the South Coast Annual Business Fair, an internationally recognised event that hosts designers and delegates from across the world. Drawing on this success, Sistas Felas signed a three-year agreement with Ray Nkonyeni Municipality in 2024 to continue this well-supported event.
Operating from two branches in Gamalakhe township and a training Cut, Make, and Trim (CMT) studio in Port Shepstone, the company produces custom clothing, accessories, and branded merchandise while mentoring local designers under South Coast Designers. Through 100% FREE Fashion Design Training Programme, mentees gain exposure at major events like Durban Fashion Fair, Durban July, and Seychelles Fashion Week.
With exhibitions in 12 countries and more than 30 cities worldwide, Sistas Felas has expanded to exporting to London and Seychelles. In terms of investment potential, Makhosi says they’re appealing to local and international organisations to grow the company, supporting their drive to increase permanent local employment and grow their export market.
“We want to build a business that will promote the textile industry, create job opportunities for our communities, and promote the creative industry as a whole. To achieve this, we need investment in a local factory so we can expand to mass production of garments,”
she commented.
Sthesh Fashion Boutique
Sthembile Mnguni, a self-taught designer and owner of the Port Shepstone-based Sthesh Fashion Boutique, has also seen significant success. She’s the recipient of The Next Billionaire 2023 award in the Clothing and Textile category, as well as winning the grand prize in the same category from the 2021 LOXION BIZ; and was nominated to showcase her work at Ukhozi FM alongside designer, Maxhosa Africa.
Since starting in 2014, Sthesh Fashion Boutique has produced high-quality wedding gowns, matric dresses, and traditional attire. Commenting on her industry success, Sthembile says,
“It’s important to remain consistent in producing quality-made garments while remaining loyal to customers.”
She said her Buy Local membership has provided her with more opportunities to showcase her work, gaining more clients over the years:
“The municipality has also funded exhibitions for further exposure, and I look forward to growing my brand and passing on this knowledge to the next generation.”
Deon Zuider
Samkele Deon Nxumalo, the Director and Head Fashion Designer at the Margate-based Deon Zuider label, also boasts prestigious designer awards, among them Designer of the Year at the 2023 South Coast Business Fair, and the 2022 Next Billionaire in the Clothing and Textile category.
After the passing of his sister, Nonhlakanipho, in 2013, Samkele found himself without financial assistance to continue tertiary studies, and turned to fashion – a passion of his later sister’s:
“This proved to be the best decision and I have built a hoard of loyal old and incoming clients who enabled me to pay rental for the business in an upmarket Margate location. We specialise in fashion design but have also recently bought a Dry-Cleaning business to ensure our clients take good care of their high-end garments.”
Citing the brand’s legendary service, quality workmanship, and exceptional customer service as reasons for success, Samkele said they have also appreciated the Buy Local initiative:
“The bulk of our fabric is bought locally and our equipment is bought and serviced locally. This initiative enables our company to spend less on fuel, and source materials at a reasonable price which benefits our clients.”
Commenting on the investment needed in the region, Samkele noted:
“Local fashion schools are needed and I would really love to open a fashion school and factory to produce a South African clothing line. Bulk production of corporate wear is another great area for investment, as employees are looking for respectable clothing to enhance self-confidence.”
