From car guard to entrepreneur, Thembeni’s Lunga strikes export deal

Thembeni entrepreneur Lunga Ntuli’s networking opportunity at the International Trade Fair in Rwanda last month, has reaped rich rewards.

He secured an intercontinental deal for his watch brand, LN Watches.

The Covid-19 pandemic halted the export of his watches to Niger and he was eager to find new avenues for his brand.

Thanks to the Department of Trade and Investment and Transet, Ntuli and other entrepreneurs were afforded the opportunity of participating in the Rwanda fair.

The goal was to help them connect with potential business partners and explore opportunities for exporting their products.

Ntuli was thrilled with the outcome.

ALSO READ: Lunga Ntuli to take his watches to Africa Fashion Week London

“My watches will now be available at the Rwanda Hotel, and I am also planning to expand my brand to some European countries.

“Hopefully this will happen before the end of the year. The trip was amazing as it allowed us to meet and learn from other business people and understand how things are done in other countries,” Ntuli said.

“One interesting thing I noticed there was that their low crime rate attract a lot of tourists. I wish we had the same situation here.”

Ntuli’s watches have unique beaded straps, which were inspired by the “ucu,” a bracelet that symbolises a woman’s everlasting love for a man.

ALSO READ: Former Thembeni car guard releases sixth book

In Zulu culture, beadwork was used as a form of communication, often serving as a love letter.

Each colour of the Zulu love letter conveys a different message. For example, white represents hope, purity, cleanliness and true love, while red symbolises intense love and longing.

The Zulu craftswomen use seven main colours – green, blue, red, black, white, yellow, and pink, each with its own inspiring meaning.

Follow The North Coast Courier on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram & YouTube for breaking news

Telegram Broadcast Service: https://t.me/joinchat/yJULuN8NaCs5OGM0