ABOUT US

about us

Samukelisiwe Khanyile, born and bred in Bergville, Bethany Village is the owner of Qhawekazi Styles Collection, which is a clothing brand started in July 2017. As an entrepreneur, Samke initially focused on sourcing dresses of all occasions from various suppliers and selling them to clients.

In October 2017, after discovering that her plus sized customers were frustrated at the lack of variety for their body types in stores, she started sourcing materials to produce kimonos in contemporary fabrics (mainly chiffon) as she desired to produce her very own collection.

In May 2018   when business was booming, the fashion house began to introduce African print, Shweshwe and Ndebele kimonos to the collection, which were well received as modern ethnic wear.

The fashion house is committed to its purpose of providing unique and timeless clothing to its clientele. The garments designed serve as everyday wear, corporate or ethnic attire and special occasions. Garments that can be worn casually and formally, dressed up or down depending on the occasion.

The introduction of African print kimonos, blazers and coats into the market is what sets Qhawekazi apart from other fashion houses, as most businesses only supply dresses, shirts and skirts in African print.

In addition, since we are flexible to the needs of our customers, the fashion house also accommodates custom orders and produces men’s shirts on request.

The fashion house also produces a limited number of garments per range so that we remain exclusive.

Lastly, our collection is proudly South African; fabrics are sourced locally and garments are produced locally.

We dress dynamic women in the working class that love unique pieces. Sizes range from S - XL, and clients are also afforded an opportunity to tailor fits.

 The brand is marketed through social media pages, the online store and exhibitions and Pop Up Stalls  at events such as: Africa Tourism Indaba, Durban Fashion Fair, Durban Business Fair, Chilla Nathi (PMB), BrownSense (JHB), I Heart Market, and Shongweni Farmers’ Market to mention just a few.

In August 2019, the company submitted its first retail order to the Durban Fashion Fair (DFF) Emporium, based in Mega City, Umlazi, and has been supplying the boutique to date.

The company was also appointed by the Drakensburg Extravaganza to coordinate the Fashion and Film meets Tourism programme: coaching aspiring designers on developing their craft.

 

SAB Tholoane Programme

In February 2019, after a lengthy application process Qhawekazi was selected as a mentee for the SAB Tholoane programme coordinated by FETOLA, competing with over 2500 other SMME’s across the country. The business has received: coaching and mentoring, training and grant funding to the value of R220 000 which has been used by the business the establish the production studio.

 

Our collection is unique and exclusively sold by ourselves. A proudly South African business offering unique "Proudly South African" products.