23 Mar 2017

The fact that textile designing is an industry dominated by women has not deterred a 30-year-old Sebina born and raised, Mr Kealeboga Ndzibi from taking that line of business.

In an interview with BOPA, Mr Ndzibi, who is a university drop out of a degree in Information Technology at the then Botho College, has rather defied the odds and persevered to ensure that he eked a living from the industry.

Mr Ndzibi said while he was studying for the degree, he was more fascinated with music and in 2007, he released a hit music album titled Kazilevel, which he had to promote across the country.

“I was then in partnership with music legends such as MC Maswe and Captain Dira, with whom I toured different places promoting the album. I had designed and printed two T- shirts, which did attract many as the demand for them was high,” said

Mr Ndzibi, noting that it was then that he discovered and realised his hidden talent in textile design.

With this realisation, in 2008 he opted to quit school and music to focus much on textile designing as it seemed that he has enrolled in the wrong course.

“It was not easy for my parents to support me in such a decision and it emerged to be a big challenge for me to thrive to prove to them that it was right,” he said.

He shared that he did not apply for any government funding, but managed to make ends meet with the little he accrued from the sales of his hit album. He named his textile business Kenville Clothing.

The self-funded entrepreneur explained that at the start-up of his business of manufacturing Kazilevel t-shirts, he was operating from his bedroom and had only one employee.

Mr Ndzibi further explained that as time went by with many people coming forth in demand of the label, he looked for a better space with the help of Local Enterprise Authority (LEA), whom he said did not disappoint as they granted him a reasonable space to operate from.

He noted that with sheer determination and commitment to the textile industry, he had an opportunity to supply a number of boutiques, which boosted his business.

Nonetheless, Mr Ndzibi explained that football clubs such as Great North Tigers, TAFIC, Tasc, Marulela Wholehood, Plateau, Safari United, Pilikwe and Central Warriors among others also approached him and engaged him to design soccer kits for them.

The tenders helped the business to grow from strength to strength to the extent that he increased the number of employees to 12, including him.

Mr Ndzibi highlighted that although his parents were against his move as they did not trust that it would go a long way, they are now supportive and realising that indeed he had made the right move.

He further explained with enthusiasm that today he is an inspiration to his peers that talent is one way through which one could survive the hardships of live and he called upon parents to support their children in unearthing their talents.

The highly motivated young entrepreneur outlined that despite the success of his business, he is faced with some challenges.

“One big challenge we are facing in the textile industry is that this industry is new in the country and as such experts are expatriates who need permits,” he said, lamenting that applying for work permit is a complex process that takes long.

He therefore appealed to government to consider increasing periods for work permits, adding that at schools, textile designing should be introduced and as such more practical work must be undertaken than theory as it is the case now.

Mr Ndzibi is optimistic that in the next five years, he will be an icon and a brand that everyone would want to be associated with.

He noted that more clothing is imported and he therefore challenged other designers to close the gap and more importantly, to work collectively as a team in an industry to yield good results.

The textile designer noted that it is disadvantaging for business owners to mistreat employees at the workplace.

In his advice to the youth, Mr Ndzibi emphasised that it is worthy to follow their passion in order for them to realise their dreams, adding that they must work harder towards their goals. ENDS