Mining language inspires fashion line

The Fanagalo (also spelled Fanakalo) pidgin language rose to prominence when it became the language of communication in the Witwatersrand mines after the discovery of gold in the 1880s.

Although its origin is debatable, the term entered the South African lexicon as migrants flooded the gold mines on the Reef in search of employment.

The language became a shared means of communication between the miners who spoke different languages. It has evolved and continues to be used to this day, especially in mining towns like Benoni.

Its multilingualism and multiculturalism has inspired two local fashion designers, motivated by their diverse backgrounds, to start a line that celebrates and embraces their diversity.

While conceptualising ideas for their brand, Courtney Hodgson, from Farrarmere, and Ziyanda Gxagxisa, from Northmead, said the moment they mentioned Fanagalo, “something clicked”.

According to Hodgson, their language and cultural diversity is similar to that of the miners and the fact that the workers found a bridge to their differences was a huge motivation.

“Ziyanda and I come from different cultures, but we work well together. The idea behind naming our brand Fanagalo is that our friendship is a beautiful, eclectic mix of culture and background.

“It’s the idea that we can be a lot of different things, but we can still communicate effectively,” she said.

Gxagxisa explained they felt they could bring many cultures together through fashion, just as the miners were united by one language.

“For us, the idea is to take traditional blankets from the different cultures and make garments out of them. We will take the blanket and bring a modern twist to it,” she said.

She said this idea came about after learning that often after traditional ceremonies, people tuck their blankets and shawls away and never use them again.

“It’s about taking the blanket that means so much to you – especially at weddings where we swap blankets and shawls as gifts. But after that we put them in the cupboard and never wear them again. Now you’ll be able to wear it again with pride and in a cool way,” said Gxagxisa.

The designers stated that despite a flurry of similar designs already on the market, their brand is unique and will have different symbols to remind the owner of its importance.

“After you are done with your ceremony or wedding, you bring the blanket to us and we will make a garment out of it. We’ll also attach a patch inside where you can write why it’s special to you and what it symbolises.”

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