Durban designer’s emotional tribute at Durban Fashion Fair
After 15 years at Durban Fashion Fair, Sibu Msimang returns with a tribute to her late aunt and a freedom fighter Nonqaba Laura Msimang.
Durban fashion designer Sibu Msimang is making a powerful return to the Durban Fashion Fair next week September 16-18, celebrating 15 years on the prestigious platform. For Msimang, who started as a trainee and is now an established designer, the moment is not taken for granted.
“It is a huge honour to be able to partake in these prestigious events. We do not take for granted the opportunities afforded to us by the Ethekwini Municipality. It feels like an honour to have been part of the DFF for 15 years both as a trainee and an established designer.
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Msimang, showcased at the Durban July of this year as one of the desingers and won a prize at last year’s DFF. Now she is back with a collection that is deeply personal. This year she presents ‘Uphi uNonqaba? Her Mother’s pain’ inspired by her late Aunt, Nonqaba Laura Msimang.
“This collection is inspired by my Aunt, Nonqaba Laura Msimang. In her youth Nonqaba was part of the Black Consciousness Movement and the South African Students Association. During the 1976 Student uprising she was jailed and tortured by the apartheid movement. In 1977 she was exiled to Lesotho. Before the era of cellphones and social media, there were times when her own mother did not know where she was,” She said.
Nonqaba passed away in Canada on the 19th of September 2025, and was cremated and her ashes scattered in the Red River in Winnipeg.
“For us her family, it feels like she never came home.”
Sibu remembers her aunt as a true fashionista who loved quality clothing, bags and shoes, and who collected art, fabric and clothing that reminded her of home in her travels. The collection is loosely inspired by her life in the 80’s. The tribute comes with a powerful reminder as the country heads to the polls.
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“As we head to the polls to exercise our right to vote, may we remember those who fought before us? Those that died and those that never came home. Lala Ngokuthula Thabizolo. 50 years later, are we really FREE?” added Msimang.
Since her win last year, Msimang has grown her business.
“I was able to buy machinery, currently focusing on Matric Dance Dress HIRE. Winning gives you credibility and there have been interests for collaborations”
Looking ahead, she remains focused on doing her best work, while expanding her rental business and eyeing more national and international shows.
“My collection this year is very personal to me, it is important for me to show up and do the best range I’ve ever done for the DFF. Maybe I will do it again next year, I’m not sure.”
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