Fashion lovers, friends and supporters clapped hands and ululated when a 28-year-old woman, Ms Phophi Mudau, launched her clothing brand at an event held at Tshedza Conference Centre a fortnight ago.

She had always wanted to make an indelible mark in the clothing industry with her designs, and that's why she incepted Pdesigns SA as a clothing brand. “The launching marks the beginning of a historic clothing brand,” explained a Matanda-born woman.

Fashion design became this young woman's love after she had explored the fashion industry and experimented with Tshivenda- and XiTsonga-influenced fabrics. “I have come up with my taste of style which has also proved to appeal to many people,” said Phophi, who has a degree in mining and survey from the University of Venda.

“My dream is to have the PDesigns SA brand in mayor clothing stores across the country. Even though small businesses of youths like me always suffer from a lack of capital, I know that, with willing donors and supporters, the light will finally shine brighter.”

Phophi wishes for more aspirational designers to be motivated by what she has so far managed to achieve. “There are so many fashion design schools in Vhembe, but graduates from these institutions end up doing nothing in life,” she said.

She started out as an image consultant, where she shopped for people, folded and altered their clothes. "All brands started in small counties or villages by individuals who had a vision," she said. "They only branched to other places after some time. People in Vhembe are highly talented and are at a stage to make things happen independently.”

She said that for her work to get recognised, she made a dress for herself and wore it at a friend's wedding ceremony. After the wedding, orders flooded her home-based office.

PDesigns SA's launch event was made possible by benevolent businesses who offered donations. "They include Nestlé in Makhado, Foschini and Tshedza Saloon, while Gwala Security provided security services during the event," said Phophi.

Nestlé's sales manager, Mr Simon Nthangani, said that his company was willing to plough back into the community. "We will continue to support the youth where we can," he said.