From childhood friends to business partners: The Duish Corner story.
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
Partnerships and collaborations have always been the backbone of great ideas turning into reality. In many cases, the strongest partnerships are built on trust, shared experiences, and a common vision. This is exactly the story behind Duish Corner, a business born from the friendship of two young entrepreneurs determined to make a difference in their community.
Founded by Bonke Monono and Nkosinathi Sikoti, Duish Corner is more than just a clothing store, it is a symbol of local pride and entrepreneurship rooted in Mdantsane, East London.
The two founders share a long history. Both were born in the same year and raised in Mdantsane, a township known for its vibrant culture and entrepreneurial spirit. While their professional journeys took them to different academic fields, their bond and shared ambition eventually led them back to the same path.
Bonke completed his Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry and Microbiology at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, while Nkosinathi pursued Information Technology at Walter Sisulu University. Despite their different academic backgrounds, their passion for business and community upliftment brought them together to create something meaningful.
Duish Corner officially opened its doors on 24 September 2020, with a mission to bring quality streetwear closer to the community. The founders wanted to challenge the long-standing perception that people must travel to the central business district to access stylish and high-quality clothing.
Located at the corner of Billie Road and Qumza Highway in Mdantsane, the store was strategically positioned to serve its local market, making fashion accessible while also celebrating township creativity.
Today, Duish Corner proudly houses three clothing brands under its umbrella:
Andikuva Noba Uthini
Duish
Strong Character
Their love for fashion and kasi development inspired them to unite these brands under one company, with the aim of growing them into strong, recognizable labels.
“If we didn’t start when we did, the dream might never have happened.”
Like many entrepreneurs, Bonke and Nkosinathi faced significant challenges when starting their business. One of the biggest hurdles was securing capital.
However, their journey began during an even more uncertain period, the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The biggest challenge was capital, and we had to start everything during one of the most difficult times we have experienced,” they explain. “Businesses were closing everywhere because of the pandemic. Seeing established companies shutting down made us question everything.”
Starting a business in such circumstances could have easily discouraged them.
“Imagine seeing big companies closing while you are trying to open one yourself - thina. But we told ourselves that if we don’t start now, we might never start at all.”
With determination and belief in their vision, the two friends pushed forward, planning carefully and taking the necessary steps to bring their dream to life.
One of the most memorable milestones for the founders remains the launch of their store.
“The support we received during our launch was overwhelming,” they recall. “It showed us that people believe in what we are building.”
Although they celebrate their progress, they remain grounded and focused on growth.
“We are still far from where we want Duish Corner to be.”
Beyond their own brands, Duish Corner also supports other kasi clothing brands, including Ushukela and Mdantsane Native, further strengthening the local creative economy.
For customers outside East London, the brand has also embraced digital retail, with an online store that operates 24/7, making their products accessible nationwide.
In many ways, Duish Corner represents more than fashion, it represents friendship, resilience, and the power of believing in local potential.
What started as a childhood friendship has now become a growing brand, proving that sometimes the best partnerships are the ones that begin long before business plans are written.
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