Azande Ndebele

Azande Ndebele, the founder of Shlobo Designs, speaks with enthusiasm about her brand. “Shlobo is a Zulu word,” she explains. “It means a relative, a family, a friend, basically everyone around you. The idea is to marry cultures together and create products that reflect that connection.”

Her business includes handcrafted beaded acces- sories and genuine leather bags. “These bags and beads speak for you. When you walk into an international market or anywhere, people notice those bright, colourful beads. They’re associated with South Africa and particularly Durban. It makes you stand out, and it’s a conversation starter.”

Reflecting on her education, Azande describes it as unconventional. “I repeated standard three, three times,” she recalls as her English wasn’t good enough at the various schools she attended. Her time at Queensburgh Girls’ High marked a turning point. “I became a prefect, and there I discovered Toastmasters,” she says. “That’s where I learned to stand out and speak confidently.”

After school, Azande studied dental technology because ‘parents want a doctor or a teacher in the family’, she explained. “But I hated it. I wanted to be with the crowd, to mingle, to speak.” She eventually left dental technology and worked odd jobs, including waitressing at the Holiday Inn. It was there that an opportunity arose. “A manager from Standard Bank noticed how I interacted with guests,” she recalls. “She invited me for an interview, and that was the start of an 18-year career at the bank, from sales teller to forensics.”

A Turning Point
However, the journey ended when Azande was retrenched. “I had everything — a stable job, comfort,” she reflects. “Then, suddenly, it was all gone. I didn’t know what to do.” Azande’s resolve led her to the mining sector, where she worked temporarily until a harrowing experience was a turning point.

“I was on my way home, giving a colleague a lift, when we found ourselves surrounded by a mob during a strike,” Azande recounts. “They began pouring petrol over the car, and I thought that was it. But just as one of them lifted a match to ignite the fuel, someone called my name. It happened twice.” It was a woman Azande had once helped at the bank who saved her life. “She recognised me and told the mob to stop. She said, ‘You will dine as a queen in my house.’ I didn’t even remember helping her at first, but she reminded me that I had gone the extra mile to ensure that funds were released on time for her grandmother’s operation.”

The trauma of this experience resulted in Azande returning to KwaZulu-Natal. Despite not having a specific skill set, she immersed herself in the activities of local women who engaged in beadwork, pottery, sewing, and traditional dance. Inspired by their abilities, Azande proposed introducing extra-mural activities at a local school to keep children off the streets, reduce teenage pregnancies, and curb drug abuse.

One of her first successes came through teaching Latin American dance, where she witnessed firsthand the transformative power of the arts. A boy who had been struggling academically found a new sense of purpose through dancing. This experience reinforced her belief in the importance of fostering each individual’s unique talents. It also marked the beginning of her passion for community-driven work.

For Azande, the drive to uplift others is personal. “I often hear from women who aren’t doing anything, asking me to lend them money. I always tell them, ‘I can’t keep giving you money. Let me teach you a skill.’ Once you have a skill, you can create wealth with your hands.”

Her leadership style is distinctly people centred. She performs a skills analysis with each person to understand their strengths and assigns tasks accordingly, ensuring they are confident in their work. Azande believes that true excellence comes from doing what one loves, which translates into the quality of the final product.

Azande’s approach to business is collaborative. “I believe in working together to go far,” she says. Shlobo Designs is committed to handcrafting everything for now. “You can’t sit and wait for money to buy machinery,” Azande adds. “When the funds come, we’ll get the equipment. But for now, we’re walking this journey together, and as long as we do, we’ll achieve sustainable income.”

Her collaborations aren’t limited to craftspeople. As a motivational speaker and coach, she helps women upskill, focusing on empowerment. “I’ve worked with KZN Top Models South Africa, coaching young ladies on how to command confidence on stage,” she shares. “It’s about more than just teaching them to walk; it’s about building self-assurance and the ability to captivate a crowd.”

Support System
Azande encourages young women to stay committed to their vision, even in the face of adversity. She highlights that the challenges one encounters are unique to each individual. “I’ve overcome difficulties by truly understanding who I am, and I put God first in all that I do,” she explains. Azande also acknowledges the importance of recognising her support system—be it family, the church, friends, or colleagues. “When the storms come, I’m grounded. I may be shaken, but I remain standing.”

The Covid-19 pandemic tested her resolve, but by listening to her “inner voice”, Azande made strategic decisions that paid off, including securing a significant order from the KZN Department of Education.

With a vision to go global, Azande has established a shop in Dongguan, China, and has partnerships in Germany, Mauritius, and local hotels in South Africa. Her unique designs, which feature vegetarian-tanned leather, are aimed at international markets while staying true to local craftsmanship. Her achievements have culminated in winning a silver award at the China Asian Expo, an accolade she views as a testament to all South African entrepreneurs.

To unwind, Azande enjoys practising Pilates regularly, which helps her stay relaxed and focused. She dedicates some of her time to serving at the Bible Institute at the Durban Christian Centre where she finds joy and relaxation in connecting with others, offering support, and sharing advice.