His talents vary from poetry, motivational speaking, acting and stand-up comedy to designing and making unique outfits.
“If you want to live a better life, you must be prepared to work,” is Mokoena’s personal slogan.
Mokoena matriculated in 2010, worked as a security guard after school while studying part time at Sedibeng College in Vereeniging. He completed certificates in electrical engineering, fire fighting and safety, basic life support and ambulance assistance and information technology, but fashion is what he is most passionate about.
“My father said, ‘Faith can make you do the impossible, passion makes things work and love makes things beautiful’. He died seven years ago but my dream never died,” Mokoena said. In 2017, Mokoena resigned from his job to follow his passion and bought a sewing machine.
Mokoena initially made his outfits out of Basotho blankets, which he wore and as a result was recognised on the streets.
“I am a creative person but never studied fashion design. Everything I know about fashion and sewing is self-taught. God created something from nothing and He gave me the talent to do the same,” Mokoena said.
His suits are made out of shopping bags, kitchen towels, blankets and even national flags, which he designs and makes within two days. His passion also gave him unique opportunities to make outfits for Eswatini’s King Mswati and Lesotho’s King Mashoeshoe.
With the challenging year almost coming to an end, Mokoena wanted to encourage the matriculants of 2020 with a snippet from one of his poems:
‘Fit in towards your vision. Don’t let bad influence your vision. Your success doesn’t require to prove yourself towards anyone, doesn’t require any gang, doesn’t require to live up to anyone’s expectations. Your dreams were meant to be understood by only you. Be responsible without supervision. Stay strongly towards your beliefs and always put God first.’
