Celebrating Heritage and Entrepreneurship - How Tshepo Mohlala is Redefining South African Fashion

As South Africa celebrates its rich cultural diversity during Heritage Month, it’s a time to reflect on the strides made since democracy was established three decades ago. This annual observance is not only about looking back at our country’s history, but also about celebrating the vibrant present and hopeful future. Amidst this celebration of culture and heritage, the story of Tshepo Mohlala, a dynamic young South African entrepreneur, stands out. Through his luxury fashion brand, TSHEPO, Mohlala is crafting a legacy that blends cultural pride, entrepreneurial spirit, and global ambition.

Founded in 2015, TSHEPO is a lifestyle brand that specializes in bespoke denim and ready-to-wear clothing. More than just a fashion label, it is a celebration of identity, community, and the power of storytelling through design. Mohlala’s journey from running his business out of a backpack to having a global audience is not only a testament to his resilience but also an inspiring story of entrepreneurship in post-apartheid South Africa.

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Building a Brand from Scratch

Like many entrepreneurs, Mohlala’s path to success was not without its challenges. He began his business with and R8000 investment from an ex and it it has paid huge dividends. In the early days of his business, selling his first batch of jeans took him six to seven months. "It was a tough time," he recalls, as he navigated the complexities of the fashion industry while running his business out of a backpack. Using whatever resources he had, Mohlala relied on public transport, Uber, and even delivery services like Kmart to get his products to customers.

Each sale was an opportunity to reinvest in the business. Eventually, his perseverance paid off, allowing him to purchase a motorcycle, making deliveries easier. Slowly but surely, TSHEPO began to grow, brick by brick.

The turning point came in 2017 when Mohlala was introduced to Victoria Yards, a project aimed at transforming a rough, industrial area in Johannesburg into a hub for makers and artists. Despite the area’s unsavoury reputation, Mohlala saw potential. "It wasn’t the most appealing place," he admits, but the vision of creating a space where creatives could build world-class businesses spoke to him. He made the bold decision to move his operation into Victoria Yards in 2018, and it was here that TSHEPO truly began to take shape.

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A Hub for Creativity

Victoria Yards became more than just a home for TSHEPO; it became a creative haven where Mohlala could realize his vision. His studio, where customers could walk in, pick fabrics, and design their own jeans, became a destination for locals and tourists alike. More than just a shop, it was an experience—one that connected people to the process of creating something personal and unique.

This creative hub also opened doors to new business opportunities. The corporate world took notice, placing bulk orders for custom items like aprons and shirts. This provided TSHEPO with the financial stability it needed to expand while maintaining its focus on quality craftsmanship.

In 2019, Mohlala made another significant move by bringing on a business partner Ellie Edel. Together, they invested in their team, flying in trainers from a prestigious denim school in Amsterdam to upskill their staff. Over half a million rand was invested in ensuring their products could compete with the best in the world. Today, TSHEPO’s jeans, made from Zimbabwean cotton and crafted using Japanese weaving techniques, are recognized for their world-class quality.

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Meghan Markle, Black Coffee, and Beyond

TSHEPO’s rise to global prominence was accelerated when notable figures began wearing the brand. One of the most significant moments came when Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, was spotted in TSHEPO’s designs. This endorsement, along with support from South African celebrities like Black Coffee, catapulted the brand into the international spotlight. Suddenly, TSHEPO was not just a local success but a global contender.

Mohlala’s international ambitions were further realized when he returned to Amsterdam for a pop-up event in 2023. Competing with 20 international brands, TSHEPO’s products became the best-sellers of the day—a moment that solidified Mohlala’s belief that the world was ready for his brand. Pushed and motivated by this success, TSHEPO expanded into more competitive retail spaces, including Sandton, and is now eyeing markets in cities like London, Dubai, and New York.

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"We the People" - A T-shirt That Became a Movement

While denim is at the heart of TSHEPO, one of the brand’s most iconic products is the "We the People" T-shirt. Launched in 2019, the design was inspired by a pivotal moment in South Africa’s history. At a time when the country was grappling with social unrest, racial tensions, and xenophobia, Mohlala attended a talk where the preamble to South Africa’s Constitution was read aloud. "We, the people of South Africa, recognize the injustices of our past," the preamble begins, and for Mohlala, it was a reminder of the country’s vision of unity, diversity, and hope.

The "We the People" T-shirt became more than just a piece of clothing; it was a symbol of national pride, unity, and connection. The design, featuring the phrase "United in Our Diversity" in all 11 official languages plus sign language, resonated deeply with South Africans from all walks of life. Within two weeks of its launch, the T-shirt had sold out nationwide. It became a movement, with people across the country—and even abroad—embracing the message it conveyed.

The inclusion of sign language in the design was particularly meaningful to Mohlala. He recalls the emotional response of a woman who uses sign language when she saw the T-shirt for the first time. "She burst into tears," Mohlala recalls, moved by the fact that the deaf community was being acknowledged in such a public and meaningful way.

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The Future of TSHEPO

As TSHEPO approaches its 10th anniversary, Mohlala reflects on the journey with a mixture of pride and humility. The brand has grown from humble beginnings to become a symbol of South African creativity and entrepreneurial spirit. Yet, Mohlala remains grounded, crediting his success to his customers and the strong support system that has carried him through the ups and downs.

One of the key lessons Mohlala has learned along the way is the importance of mastering one’s craft. "Be the best at what you do," he advises aspiring entrepreneurs. For him, that meant becoming the best jean maker in the world, studying top international brands, and setting the highest standards for himself and his team.

Looking ahead, TSHEPO is focused on expanding its reach even further. Meetings with well-connected individuals have opened doors to new markets in cities like Paris, New York, and Dubai. As the brand continues to grow, Mohlala is excited to share South Africa’s story with the world, one pair of jeans at a time.

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A Legacy of Connection

Central to TSHEPO’s identity is the sense of connection that Mohlala seeks to create through his designs. The brand’s logo, which was gifted to Mohlala by renowned visual artist Ayanda Mabulu, embodies this connection. The symbol, crowned with a regal touch, represents the women in Mohlala’s life—his mother, grandmother, and aunts—who have played a pivotal role in shaping him into the person he is today.

For Mohlala, fashion is more than just clothing; it is a way of telling stories, of connecting with people on a deeper level. It’s this belief that has driven TSHEPO’s success, allowing the brand to stand out in a crowded market and create lasting relationships with its customers.

As South Africa celebrates Heritage Month, the story of Tshepo Mohlala and his brand TSHEPO serves as a powerful reminder of the role entrepreneurship plays in shaping the country’s future. Just as the country has grown and evolved over the past 30 years, so too has TSHEPO—a brand that is not only rooted in South African culture but also ready to take on the world. Through his designs, Mohlala continues to connect people, tell stories, and inspire a new generation of South African entrepreneurs.

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