Spelete pins down kasi fashion and much-needed jobs
Entrepreneur creates jobs
Johannes Mahlangu ’ s footwear and clothing brand has grown from one small boutique to eight flagship stores in three provinces in 11 years years.
Mahlangu, 40, is the brains behind Spelete, which boasts two stores in Pretoria and six branches in other parts of the country. Mahlangu, who hails from the North West rural village of GaMotle, launched his first boutique in 2009. “When I was young, I remember how I used to get compliments for my dressing style from both my peers and their parents. I used to dress for success and had a taste for fashion,” he said.
“This is where the brand called Spelete footwear and clothing comes from.”
He started selling clothes at the University of Pretoria, where he was studying for BCom econometrics. “I saw a gap in the market from compliments I would get for my outfits. Then I took advantage of the opportunity presented to venture into business.”
Mahlangu said his style was to rely on quality and colours that are trending. He has designed all different types of clothes and sneakers for all age groups (such as hoodies, vests, T-shirts, jackets, jeans, shorts, trousers, shirts and tracksuits).
Mahlangu ’ s wish is to create hundreds of entrepreneurs and help fight joblessness through franchising.
Godfrey Hlongwane (35) owner of Spelete boutique store in Rustenburg, said when he grew up in a township, he looked up to others he wanted to emulate and today he is happy that he employed young people and created opportunities for some.
Hlongwane said he is excited he managed to take a local brand legacy to the door step of everyone.
He urged South Africans to start supporting local brands to rebuild the limping economy that is in the brink of collapse.
Sfiso Hlongwane, 28, (not related to Godfrey) owner of Spelete boutique store in Nelspruit, said he was happy to bring the township brand to his community and that he was looking forward to working to uplift his community by training and employing unemployed young people. “What I like about it is that this is a township brand that is different and colourful. The brand is unique and stylish.”
Mahlangu told Sowetan that the rubber of the sneakers and his clothes had striking colours that made them trend. “I don ’ t follow trend, I set it,” he said.