​Former students, Mthobeli Kopolo (34) and Wamukelwe Cebekhulu (24) from Brakpan in Ekurhuleni are now owners of a successful clothing brand, MK Demin, thanks to the Gauteng Department of Social Development and its partner NPO, Siyabonga Africa.
The duo are now graduates from the School of Fashion at Siyabonga Africa, a Non-Profit Organisation (NPO) funded by the Gauteng Department of Social Development to upskill the youth by providing accredited skills development programmes.
Mandela Day was used as an opportunity to introduce their business to the public so that they grow their brand and are linked to even bigger economic opportunities.
Showcasing their work at Siyabonga Africa on Tuesday, Kopolo said he was grateful for the opportunity afforded to them, as fashion design was always his childhood dream.
"Designing denim products, it is not something simple, we experienced challenges along the way. However, we enjoyed every moment and learned something new every day."
"I grew up with a sewing machine. My mother used to do alterations for a living, so that is when I developed the love of garment production and later pursued my career in fashion design at Siyabonga Africa," said Kopolo.
His co-founder, Cebekhulu added that the business was doing well since they established it earlier this year.
"We are currently in the research and development phase, where we study our market and the designs they prefer. I also have a skill in developing software, so we are in a process of developing an application and a website."
"People who want to reach out, support us or buy our products can contact us in all our social media platforms as MK Denim," said Cebekhulu.
Centre Manager at Siyabonga Africa, Sarah-Jane Brink expressed excitement looking at the progress made by some of her students and graduates.
Community Development Supervisor at Gauteng Department of Social Development in Ekurhuleni, Nomthandazo Maphumulo reiterated the importance of youth participating in the economy.
She encouraged them to make use of skills development programmes across the province so that they are able to stand on their own.