The Durban University of Technology (DUT) has been supporting its students by equipping them with practical skills, fostering an entrepreneurial mindset, and bringing creativity to life. Among its graduands is Noxolo Sitshinga (40), who will be graduating at the DUT 2026 Autumn Graduation at the Olive Convention Centre (OCC). She grew up in the community of Mt Fletcher in the Eastern Cape.
Her journey into fashion did not begin in lecture halls, but in the simple, imaginative world of childhood, where she would sit and create clothes for her dolls using plastic materials, already revealing a creative spirit that refused to be confined by circumstance.
As she grew older, that creativity evolved into something more defined and intentional. During her high school years, she became known for her distinct sense of style and her ability to transform ordinary clothing into something unique. She would take apart her denim garments and redesign them, turning everyday pieces into expressions of identity.
“I realised designing was not just an interest, but my true calling. What began as simple curiosity playing with fabrics, redesigning my clothes, and expressing myself through style slowly became something much deeper. I found myself constantly drawn to it, not because I had to be, but because it felt natural and fulfilling. Every time I created something new from something old, I felt a strong sense of purpose. That is when I understood that fashion was more than a hobby for me; it was a way to express my identity, tell my story, and connect with who I truly am,” Noxolo explained.
Her formal journey into fashion took shape at the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT), where she completed a Diploma in Fashion and Technology. This chapter gave her the technical grounding she needed, but life called her beyond the classroom. For more than two decades, she gathered experience not only within the fashion space but also through the responsibilities of adulthood, including raising a family and building her personal and professional identity.
Rather than seeing time as something that had passed her by, Noxolo saw it as preparation. With renewed determination, she made the bold decision to return to academia and further her studies at DUT. This was not an easy step, as it required her to balance multiple roles at once. She was a student again, but also a mother, a partner, and an entrepreneur running her own fashion brand.
The weight of these responsibilities often showed itself in long nights filled with research, design work, and moments of exhaustion. There were emotional and financial pressures, as well as moments where self-doubt quietly crept in. Yet, through it all, she remained grounded in the values that defined her journey.
“I strongly believe in DUT living values and principles: commitment, respect, and professionalism. These values kept me focused when things became overwhelming and helped me stay consistent in everything I do. Commitment reminded me to keep going even when I felt tired, while professionalism guided the quality of my work and how I carried myself throughout my journey,” she expressed.
Her family became her anchor, offering both emotional and practical support throughout her studies. Her partner stood beside her with encouragement and guidance, while her children became a constant source of inspiration. When she reached milestones, it was not just her victory, but a shared celebration of resilience and sacrifice.
During her time at DUT, Noxolo did more than refine her technical skills; she deepened her understanding of fashion as a powerful cultural and social tool. Her academic work culminated in a research project titled “Cross-Cultural Exploration: Reimagining Xhosa and Hanfu Traditional Fashion through Sustainable Practice.” This study became a meaningful expression of her identity and vision as a designer.
Through her practical collection, Rebirth, she explored the intersection of African and Asian cultural traditions, merging Xhosa and Hanfu aesthetics into contemporary designs that speak to transformation and renewal. Her use of sustainable practices, including natural dyes and 100% cotton fabrics, reflected her commitment to ethical design.
Reflecting on this work, she explained, “Fashion can go beyond aesthetics; it can tell stories, heal, and connect cultures in ways that words sometimes cannot,” and she added that sustainability is not just a trend but a responsibility that designers must embrace.
Today, she is the founder and designer of Purple Pot Designs, a brand that embodies her vision of culturally inspired and sustainable fashion for both local and international markets. Her work has already reached global platforms through exhibitions, allowing her to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and industry practice.
She is preparing to pursue an Honours Degree, driven by a desire to keep growing and refining her craft. Her long-term vision is to build a globally recognised fashion brand that celebrates African heritage while creating opportunities for emerging designers.
“Have confidence in who you are and remain consistent in your efforts. Be patient with your journey and trust that everything is unfolding as it should. Where you come from and everything you have experienced should empower you, not limit you. Your story is unique, and it carries the strength you need to create something meaningful. Trust that your path, no matter how different it may seem, is shaping you for something greater,” she concluded.
Pictured: The founder and designer of Purple Pot Designs, Noxolo Sitshinga.
Phiwayinkosi Sibiya
