Giyani designer promotes preservation of Tsonga culture, roots
Tsonga cultural attire designer and entrepreneur, Ntsako Chauke wants to see her cultural traditional attire being recognised globally.
LIMPOPO – The 35-year-old entrepreneur from section A in Giyani recently launched her TsongaSauce Collection which specialises in everything that has to do with Tsonga fashion and styling artists.
Chauke told CV she was inspired by the beauty of her culture to start her business.
“My dream is to travel across the world showcasing the TsongaSauce Collection,” said Chauke.
She said her business does not only focus on earning an income but is set on promoting the Tsonga culture.
“It is crucial that youths come on board to embrace their culture and show the beauty of their heritage,” she added.
Chauke loves that cultural attire keeps everyone grounded and in touch with their roots.
“I am a proudly African child and that makes me value and respect my culture. It takes a village to raise a child and therefore takes a child to promote his culture. Tsonga fashion is beautiful and many people have interest in it. I saw it as a great platform to expose my culture and started learning about the things which I can provide,” she said.
Chauke said the beauty of their cultural attire makes it more attractive.
She pursued her studies in business management at Parktown.
“I then worked eight years as a sales consultant until I realised that it was not my calling and decided to start my own business.” Chauke works from her home and has four young women who she employs permanently.
“Despite making an income, I’m glad that this business also creates job opportunities for my community’s unemployed youths.”
Part of Chauke’s success story includes hosting the annual Giyani Fashion Show five years in a row and also travelling to different townships, to host kaci2kaci Fashion Shows.
She also worked with BET Award Winning Sho Madjozi on her Kona music video where she supplied Swibelani swa wool attire.
