Makhundai

Makhundaì is a Johannesburg-based fashion brand founded by designer Namhla Thiwani and named in honour of his late father, Makhulu Andile. Drawing on his Eastern Cape roots, Namhla blends a contemporary aesthetic with traditional sensibilities. Central to Makhundaì’s ethos is the idea of being a ‘good farmer’: a commitment to working with patience, intention, and integrity.

Resources and materials

• Partnered with Inner City Ink to use water-based inks
• Predominantly uses natural fibres: 100% cotton and wool

Making and manufacturing

• Collaborates with small-scale, local CMTs and independent makers
• Design, sampling and development happen in-house
• Patterns are crafted by team member Kotela Makotanyane, a self-taught pattern maker
• Garments are cut in-house to ensure the best management of off-cuts

Social and cultural

• Works with CMTs that support job creation for people often excluded from mainstream fashion production, including refugees and those without formal fashion training

Product and design

• Carries sizes XS to XL

Packaging and distribution

• Recyclable brown bags are used to ship garments

2025 Nominee: Emerging Designer Award