On Thursday, 21 May 2026, Hlohonolofatso Tiffany Mokoteli celebrated graduating for her Diploma in Fashion Design during the Faculty of Arts and Design session, at 2020 Durban University of Technology (DUT) 2026 Autumn Graduation Ceremony held at the Olive Convention Centre.
The emerging innovator is the founder of Tiffany Mokoteli Enterprise, a forward-thinking business focused on integrating advanced nanotechnology into textile finishing. Her work is driven by a passion for innovation, local manufacturing, and positioning South Africa as a competitive force in the global textile space.
Tiffany Mokoteli Enterprise was established on 2025 and focuses on developing nanotechnology-based textile finishing solutions designed to enhance fabric durability, water resistance, stain resistance, and overall sustainability. The innovation aims to improve the lifespan and performance of textiles while reducing reliance on imported finishing technologies, ultimately supporting local industry growth.
The business addresses a critical gap in the South African textile sector, where limited access to advanced finishing technologies results in higher production costs and restricted innovation. By introducing accessible, locally developed solutions, the enterprise seeks to empower textile manufacturers, fashion brands, and designers to adopt more efficient and innovative production methods.
Tiffany entrepreneurial journey was inspired by the disconnect between global textile innovation and its accessibility within the local industry. With a strong background in fashion design and a vision to elevate local manufacturing, she set out to bridge this gap through research-driven innovation.
One of the main challenges she had was balancing academics and business. Transitioning from one province to another also proved to be a struggle due to language barrier.
“Language barrier, difficulties managing school work and personal life, building relations with fellow mates in the university were my biggest challenges in this journey,” said Hlohonolofatso.
Her efforts have already earned recognition on both national and international platforms. She won the Silver Award at the 2025 GISU Urban Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition and ranked second nationally in the YAEI Emerging Innovators Programme. These achievements not only brought funding support but also strengthened her capabilities in pitching, research, and strategic communication.
Through these experiences, she has developed key entrepreneurial skills including innovation management, critical thinking, resilience, and the ability to translate complex ideas into practical, market-ready solutions.
She envisions building a fully operational, technology-driven textile enterprise that sets new standards for innovation and sustainability in South Africa. Her long-term goal is to make advanced textile technologies accessible, support local manufacturers, and contribute to a globally competitive textile industry.
Beyond business success, she is committed to driving economic growth, creating opportunities for skills development, and inspiring a new generation of innovators. Going forward, she plans to venture into both the business world and employment world.
“I want to venture into both the business world and employment world, I believe both are beneficial to learn , to know what is needed to run a business and how to treat employees based on work experience in work field,” she said.
Pictured: Hlohonolofatso Tiffany Mokoteli
Photographer: Khulasande Tshayile
Thubelihle Dumakude
