“I chose this course because I love fashion and being creative,” said the 24-year-old Sandiso Sithole.  

Sithole is currently completing his National Diploma in Fashion and Textiles at the Durban University of Technology (DUT). 

Hailing all the way from Esikhawini (Mabuyeni) in KwaZulu-Natal, Sithole says he always tries to come up with something unique which defines his fashion style. ‘The Eagle Eye’ brand owner said: “I wanted to break the cycle of coming up with the same designs within the fashion industry by many brands.”  

Sithole, whose brand mainly focuses on sportswear, explained the challenges he faces in keeping the balance between his studies and promoting his brand. 

“I can now call myself a hard worker because I had to attend lectures every day then come back home to do my homework and process people’s orders. I told myself that there is no resting until I finish the course,” he said. 

He is currently in partnership with another DUT Fashion and Textiles student, Freedom Ngiba. Sithole says this year they are planning to create denim sportswear which will attract different kinds of audiences and feature a few celebrities. Some of the celebrities he has worked with includes: The Emlanjeni hitmaker Sibahle Cele, Uzalo actors Simphiwe Majozi, Thulane Nkululeko Shange and Prince M.  Sithole also acknowledges the famous Mnotho Ndlela (photographer) whom he says is good at what he does, which is take pictures for him. 

“Everyone has a dream! We all want to be successful through our talents and skills so that is why I am promoting my brand so hard,  I believe my hard work will reach big brands and they will eventually have interest in me,” said the ambitious Sithole.  

To give back to the community, Sithole also works with local models in shoots together with his partner Mnotho Ndlela. 

Pictured: Sandiso Sithole

Nikiwe Sukazi