Masoyi man develops clothing brand, working his way up in the fashion industry

A young man who loves fashion was inspired to establish his own brand as a way to contribute to the local economy, uplift others and help create job opportunities in his community.

Lifa Mokoena (21) owns African Hang Clothing.

“I am a small business owner who became an entrepreneur in Grade Nine. I used to sell sweets and socks. I used the money I earned to print my first T-shirt. At that time, I was a big fan of a Soweto-based fashion brand called Styla Gang Original Designs,” he said.

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The local from Mshadza near Masoyi started honing his fashion passion into a career by designing T-shirts in 2019. His dedication gained him his first-ever fashion showcase.

“I had a great experience in 2020 all because I believed in God and the skills He has placed in me. During that time I also experienced some challenges, but through hard work and determination I managed to overcome them. Fast forward to 2024, I got the opportunity to collaborate with a local organisation, Miss White Hazy, to design their sashes. This was a big achievement which proved that I am capable of making my brand known in the fashion industry,” he said.

Mokoena loves working with his hands. Alongside producing tailored fashion, he is pursing a career in civil and construction engineering. He is also currently enrolled for a bricklaying apprenticeship programme.

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Mokoena’s advice to the up-and-coming creatives like himself is ‘to just start’.