The Sunday News
Kudzai Mpangi, Sunday Life Reporter
HAVING started as a mere machinist at a clothing factory in Bulawayo, Makhosi Tshuma, South Africa-based fashion designer lives to tell a different story. He has become a household name in the fashion industry both in South Africa and back home.
Tshuma never thought he would live to tell the tale of his life given his background which was not rosy as they struggled to make ends meet.
Despite his background it did not stop him from fulfilling his dreams and aspirations as he remained focused until he succeeded.
“Coming from a poor family where we struggled to make ends meet from my father’s little salary as he was a general hand, I got the urge to change things around and achieve in life. When I left school I worked for nine years in two clothing factories in Bulawayo, where I was developed from an ordinary machinist into a tailor between 1995 and 2004,” Tshuma said.
The knowledge that he got from being a tailor gave him a purpose to strive for excellence to establish his own fashion label.
“I had to move to South Africa given the economic situation in 2005. I then established my own label Ezase Kasi which is translated to township style as it is aimed mostly at the youths so as to appeal to them. It is in honour of my upbringing, which was mainly in high density suburbs of Bulawayo,” he said.
He described himself as more talented and passionate when it comes to fashion since he does any kind of design that his customers need for a suitable dress code.
“I believe that fashion is in my blood despite dedicating my designs to youths. I can design for new born babies to old age. I design anything from sportswear to overalls and work suits,” Tshuma said.
His nine-year-old label has been a hit both in Bulawayo and Johannesburg as the youths love his designer clothes which appeal mostly to them.
“My label has always appealed to the youths back home and in South Africa because they can relate to the clothing label and this has made me to have the drive to keep on doing more of the designs. I appreciate the way they have responded to my designs and I cannot lie as it is doing so well,” he said.
Tshuma has showcased his designs in Soweto Fashion Show one of the top designer shows in South Africa.
“I have been invited to Soweto Fashion Show many times to showcase my designs. This has been a great opportunity for me, especially as a foreigner. I hope to take my designs to bigger shows as well,” he said.
“I have offered my services to Madlela Sikhobokhobo back home, Patricia Majalisa, Thabbz and I have maintained the relationship.”
Despite enjoying his time in the sun, Tshuma aims to leave a lasting legacy that will see him on the international market.
“My vision is to see this label becoming the commanding fashion voice with the youth and I am working hard in achieving that. I also want my children and their offspring to look back one day and say, this is a legacy left to us by someone who struggled to have what we now live on,” he said.
“I want to spread it throughout the Southern African region and the continent at large so my designs will have a greater impact.”
Tshuma hopes to establish his retail business in Zimbabwe before venturing into the continent.
Meanwhile, his customers back at home order from his Facebook page.
