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 accessories 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.”
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