MaXhosa

From studying at the Nelson Mandela University to showcasing the MaXhosa brand internationally, knitwear designer Laduma Ngxokolo born and bred in Port Elizabeth has taken the fashion industry by storm. MaXhosa established the brand in 2010 with the desire to explore knitwear design incorporating the Xhosa culture.

With the help of the Innovation Office, he set out to protect his intellectual property and filed design registrations in 2011. The Innovation Office further helped him develop his brand through its business incubator, Propella. Nine years later and the MaXhosa by Laduma brand has grown tremendously. The brand has expanded into home décor such as rugs, cushions and as accessories. Laduma has gained local and international recognition, which led him to win the 2015 Vogue Italia Scouting for Africa prize, and named one of the 100 Most Influential Africans of 2017 by New African Magazine. He’s latest achievement opening up a store in Mall of Africa in Midrand. The award-winning musician Black Coffee has praised the designer who said he loves his work.

The Innovation Office is grateful to have been a part of Laduma’s journey and is so proud of him and his achievements thus far.