Local starts clothing brand to inspire others
He explained starting the clothing brand was a means to reflect on his life's journey.
Tsakani – Born and bred in Langaville, Gift Makeke (26) holds a law degree from the University of Johannesburg and is the founder and director of Langaville’s Finest.
Langaville’s Finest is an apparel and clothing brand Makeke uses to inspire others to overcome adversity.
“I started the clothing brand because I love clothes and wanted to use it as a platform to tell my story and inspire others.
“When I was in my matric in 2013, I beacme extremely sick to a point where I was forced to deregister.
“In 2014, I had to go back to school and complete my matric.
“Honesty, I felt delayed because most of my friends were already in higher institutions,” added Makeke.
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He explained starting the clothing brand was a means to reflect on his life’s journey.
“In 2015 I obtained my national senior certificate and was part of the school’s top achievers, but I was forced to take a gap year because there was a discrepancy with the dates on my application form.
“I went through the gap year and used the time for personal growth and development. I attended social development programmes,” he said.
The brand was established on October 29, 2016, after he enrolled at the University of Johannesburg.
“I concluded that I am the finest under the sun, hence the name.
“I bounced back from the delays in my journey and my story is one of resilience and victory.
“I strive against all odds to change the status quo.
“My mission for the clothing line is that I’m inspired by my own stories and aspire to inspire others to create theirs,” he said.
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He said the brand is a dedication to everyone who is “shining against their background”.
“The inspiration of Langaville’s Finest is from great mess to greatness, that one can turn their troubles into triumph.
“Langaville is generally an underdeveloped township and the finest part of the brand name is an adjective and a third-degree of comparison which implies that I’m the best version of my yesterday because I stood the test of time and the heat of life then came out as Langaville’s Finest,” he added.
