With the lockdown restrictions currently loosened up, fashionistas are rocking different gigs and gatherings with these handbags.

“These handbags are in demand,” said Thwala.

Thwala, a sound engineer and events management coordinator, said he was actually pushed into handbag design by last year’s hard lockdown due to the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Before Covid-19 hit us hard, I was busy with my events management projects, since there were so many being hosted, and our services were required everywhere. But things changed after the country was placed on hard lockdown in March 2020.”

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He said he had always fancied designing, but could not venture into it at the time as there was no time. The lockdown presented him with ample time to build his empire, however.

“A few weeks into hard lockdown and without anything to do and nowhere to go, I decide to pursue my other dream of designing. I had some vinyls in the house and after playing and trying few ideas, I finally came up with the handbags,” said Thwala.

He said after making a few bags, he started posting them on social media platforms and was amazed by the response he received from locals, especially fashionistas. “I didn’t believe it at first until I received many calls and feedback from the public, so I started taking this initiative a step further. After the lockdown restrictions were slowly being eased, people called to place orders and just like that, the business started picking up,” Thwala said.

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Last year he was invited to exhibit his work during the televised South African Traditional Music Awards hosted in the province.

“Yes, Covid-19 has affected all of us with many losing their jobs, but this presents a perfect opportunity for our communities to start supporting small black businesses as well,” he said. To view these items and place your order, simply call Thwala on 076 205 0688 or visit his Facebook page, Mazola Production.