Koloni Design Hub revives Eastern Cape textile industry, empowering next generation of creatives

A new non-profit initiative is aiming to breathe life back into the Eastern Cape’s once-thriving clothing and textile industry — while opening doors for a new generation of designers and creatives.

The Koloni Design Hub, founded by industry veterans Louella Mathapelo Frances and Pumeza Mekuto, brings together decades of experience to support local manufacturing, skills development and creative enterprise.

Based at the Time Clothing factory, the hub offers participants direct exposure to a working production environment, giving them insight into both the creative and operational sides of the fashion industry.

The idea for the hub emerged in 2023, when the founders began working in Mdantsane and identified a strong but underutilised pool of talent — a mix of young creatives and former textile workers in a region where the industry has steadily declined since its peak in the late 1970s.

Driven by a shared vision, the team now aims to transfer more than 50 years of combined experience, while connecting participants to broader industry networks.

“The Eastern Cape has incredible, untapped potential. We’ve seen firsthand the level of talent that exists here, and Koloni is about creating a platform where that talent can be nurtured, developed, and connected to real economic opportunities,” said Frances.

The hub focuses on product development, quality assurance and business skills, while also helping designers prepare for entry into both local and international markets.

It also plans to work closely with institutions such as Walter Sisulu University, with discussions under way to formalise partnerships that support graduates transitioning into the industry.

“We’re working now with Walter Sisulu to do a memorandum of understanding from a vision idea to a final product.

“Our intention is to support young creatives from concept development all the way to market readiness,” Mekuto said.

What began on a broken ironing board in her mother’s garage has grown into a fully operational factory for Amandla Buswana, a 30-year-old entrepreneur building a manufacturing business in KuGompo City. Buswana is the founder of Buswana Creations, a uniform manufacturing company based in Arcadia Park that now supplies schools, businesses, banks, churches and funeral homes. Her journey into fashion and entrepreneurship began long before the business was formally established. Born and raised in KuGompo City, she attended Southern Primary School before moving to St Anne’s Primary School, where she completed her foundation phase. She later matriculated from Beaconhurst High School. After school, she followed her passion and enrolled at the Durban University of Technology to study fashion design and textiles. “I was always creative,” she said. “In school, I would alter the uniforms of my classmates for a small fee, adding trims or changing the design to match what was popular at the time.” That early creativity laid the foundation for what would later become her business. Buswana Creations was established in 2022, but its roots go back to far humbler beginnings. “My mother’s broken ironing board was my workspace for more than a year,” she said. “I then moved into the garage, where I slowly built a small setup and hired one person to help with sewing.” With no financial backing or inherited resources, she had to build the business from scratch. She outsourced some of the work, saved consistently and reinvested every cent into growing the company. “It wasn’t easy, but I had a clear goal and a sense of urgency. “I knew I had to make it work,” she said. That persistence has paid off. What started as a small home-based operation has grown into a functioning factory, creating jobs and expanding its client base. A major breakthrough came last year when Buswana won first place in the Eastern Cape at the Hollywoodbets Bambelela Awards. The recognition brought new visibility to her business and opened doors for growth. “I was honoured to receive the award in the presence of leaders such as premier Oscar Mabuyane and Buffalo City Metro mayor Princess Faku,” she said. “It validated the work I have been putting in and helped position my business on a larger platform.” The award also accelerated the development of her factory, giving her the momentum to scale up operations. If you have a vision and you are willing to work for it, it is possible to build something meaningful Despite the growth, Buswana remains focused on consistency and continuous improvement. She draws inspiration from everyday experiences, with a strong appreciation for quality and attention to detail. “I am inspired by art, travel and the world around me,” she said. “Creativity needs exposure and freedom. “Seeing different places helps me think differently and improve what I create.” Those close to her describe her as disciplined and driven — qualities she believes are essential in business. “My mother says I do not tolerate excuses, but I think that is part of what keeps me going,” she said. At the core of her approach is a strong sense of responsibility, both to her business and to the people it supports. As a first-generation entrepreneur, Buswana hopes her story will inspire others, particularly young people who feel limited by their circumstances. “I started with nothing, but I stayed committed,” she said. “If you have a vision and you are willing to work for it, it is possible to build something meaningful.” Click here to join the Daily Dispatch’s WhatsApp channel and get the latest news delivered straight to your phone Daily Dispatch

The programme aims to bridge a gap between education and industry, ensuring graduates are not left without direction after completing their studies.

Participants will be guided through the full production cycle — from refining ideas and understanding costing to identifying target markets and preparing for real-world exposure.

“They’ll come up with ideas and then we will help them in product development, costing and how to market,” Mekuto said.

A key concern raised by the founders is the lack of practical skills among many graduates entering the fashion sector.

“Our graduates are not working, they are not competent. They don’t even know how to make a pattern,” Mekuto said.

The hub aims to address this by focusing on hands-on training and industry-relevant experience, while also encouraging entrepreneurship.

“We’re going to get them well trained so that they open up their businesses,” she said.

Support will extend beyond technical training to include branding, marketing and access to funding opportunities through partners such as the Small Enterprise Development Finance Agency.

The programme is set to run for 12 months, with plans to expand its reach into the broader community.

Mekuto said accessibility was a key priority, with opportunities for local residents and aspiring entrepreneurs to access guidance through short courses and one-on-one support.

“We will engage with them and navigate through their ideas and help them to sell them,” she said.

The hub also embraces collaboration across disciplines, bringing together fashion designers and visual artists to enhance creativity and product development.

“Artists can develop the artworks for the designers and they can develop prints,” Mekuto said.

She added that many artists are already engaging with fashion informally, through customised clothing such as hoodies and T-shirts, and that the hub aims to formalise and grow these practices.

By combining technical training, creative collaboration and business support, the Koloni Design Hub represents a renewed effort to rebuild the province’s textile sector from the ground up.

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