From domestic worker to designer – Ballito

She went from cleaning homes to sewing herself a business: Rose Ngalo Design (RND) at The Crest business park in Ballito.

Bloemfontein-born Rose Ngalo had a tough childhood and had to drop out of school at the age of 15 to start work as a domestic worker.

Growing up, one of her few fond memories was watching her mother, Maphoka, sew.

“I used to sit next to her and watch her make a dress. When I was about seven years old, I decided to thread a needle and started sewing myself. My mother was very surprised to see that I have learnt how to sew just by watching her,” said Ngalo.

While working as a domestic worker in Johannesburg, she used her spare time to sew clothes and her employers were impressed with her workmanship.

“They eventually gave me a sewing machine and that is when I began taking it very seriously. People started coming into my employer’s house with their clothing alterations, while others collected the new dresses I had made for them.”

She said she would work during the day and sew at night. Many years ago, her employers moved to Ballito and she came with them. Once here, they decided to get her a shop at The Crest.

Her business bloomed and she even hosted a fashion show at La Montagne two years ago. Ready for the next step, she formally launched her business last month.

Ngalo’s store is filled with beautiful women’s clothes and she makes clothes to order. She also still does alterations.

“I am very happy with my business. Knowing how hard it was growing up, I will try to share my success with disadvantaged communities to give back,” said Ngalo.

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