From a single NSFAS-funded idea to a multi-award-winning brand.
- Oct 1, 2025
- 4 min read
Fashion is one of the biggest cultural exports rising from the streets of the Eastern Cape, and the entrepreneurs shaping it have their own unmistakable style. Their designs speak volumes, each pattern and stitch crafted to stand out from the next creative mind. Among them, Ndimbi Clothing is cruising confidently in its own lane, keeping fashionistas intrigued with every drop. We had the opportunity to sit down with the brand’s founder Sinoxolo Manengela, to learn how a bold idea became a thriving business.
“I was born in Port Elizabeth and later moved to Bhisho, where I did both my primary and high school,” the founder begins. Growing up with both parents and three sisters, he spent a formative decade living with his grandmother.
His path to entrepreneurship started in the lecture halls of Nelson Mandela University, where he earned a BCom in Accounting. “In my third year, I read Rich Dad Poor Dad, and that book completely shifted my mindset,” he recalls. “It taught me about business and emphasized building a business around something you love. For me, that was fashion.”
In 2016, he used his NSFAS allowance to launch Ndimbi, beginning with branded T-shirts. “That was the turning point,” he says. “Instead of going into corporate after graduating, I decided to pursue fashion full-time. Eight years later, Ndimbi is still standing strong. Entrepreneurship has shaped not only my career but also how I live my life, it feels spiritual to me.”
The name Ndimbi carries a story as striking as the designs themselves. “Back in 2016, social media was exploding. Instagram was becoming big, filters were everywhere, and people were trying to fit into a certain image,” he explains.
“In isiXhosa, Ndimbi directly translates to I am ugly. But for us, it’s not about ugliness, it’s about redefining beauty on your own terms. It’s about fearlessly choosing yourself, being confident, and owning your cool effortlessly. When you wear the brand, that’s what you represent.”
This powerful message, confidence as the ultimate style, continues to disrupt traditional notions of beauty and resonate with a growing audience.
Breaking into the fashion market was never simple. “Not everyone is comfortable wearing a brand called Ndimbi,” he admits. “I often had to explain the meaning behind it. Some people even said, ‘I can’t wear something that means I’m ugly.’ But I’ve always believed that no one is ugly, what makes someone appealing is confidence.”
Beyond the concept, the practical hurdles were significant: sourcing resources, acquiring machinery, and building a committed team. “Friends and family didn’t always understand why I wouldn’t go into corporate, but I believed in the purpose,” he says. Competing with malls and major retailers only reinforced the need for perseverance.
That perseverance has paid off. “The resilience and consistency of the brand have been rewarding,” he says with pride. In 2024, Ndimbi raised R350,000 through Nelson Mandela University’s Africa Hub and secured machinery support through SEDFA via NYDA funding.
This year has been even bigger, “We won first prize in a pitching competition with Standard Bank and received an award at the Bambelela Business Awards. Recently, we also won a competition at Hemingways Mall, which earned us a six-month pop-up store.”
Stepping into the role of founder and leader has transformed him personally. “As the founder, I’m like the jockey leading the horse,” he says. “I’ve attended symposiums, workshops, and read countless books to sharpen my leadership and soft skills. The experience has taught me patience, listening, and creating a culture that’s bigger than myself.”
Collaboration remains central, “We work with other creatives in the industry, and synergy is everything,” he adds.
What keeps Ndimbi ahead in South Africa’s competitive fashion scene? “Creativity, adaptability, and passion,” he says of his team’s core traits. “Our concept is what sets us apart, it’s bold and deeply rooted in storytelling. We’re also working with denim offcuts to stay trendy while being sustainable and unique. Our strength lies in creating fashion that resonates on a personal and cultural level. It’s more than clothing, it’s identity.”
As they continue, Ndimbi is preparing to scale. “We’re building operations toward a production plant valued at around R3 million. This facility will house everything, industrial sewing, printing, and machinery to produce clothes, shoes, and bags in-house,” he shares.
Distribution plans are equally ambitious: “Our goal is to have a flagship store in every mall across all nine provinces. We’re also developing an app linked to WhatsApp to make ordering easy, locally and internationally. And looking further ahead, we want to take Ndimbi global. You’ll find us in Paris, New York, and Milan, right at the heart of the fashion capitals.”
From a single NSFAS-funded idea to a multi-award-winning brand with global ambitions, Ndimbi Clothing proves that authentic storytelling and fearless creativity can turn a bold concept into a national and soon international - fashion force.
For more, visit: https://www.facebook.com/NdimbiClothing
Comments