IGALOFU - a brand that precisely caters for golf sports audience, was founded by Banele Mhlahlo- a serial entrepreneur raised by a single mother with his big brother in the East Rand, Vosloorus. Currently, Banele resides in Pretoria with his wife & two kids.
Entrepreneurs backbone lies in supporting each other to grow our economy, so firstly we wanted to know besides his brand which local brand is Banele’s favourite and why: “My favourite Mzansi brand is Bathu. I can relate to the story behind the brand, how it’s started (born in the township), challenges they faced, where it’s currently at and where it’s going, more importantly how they have professionalized their brand. Apart from Bathu other brands that are my favorite are: Portia M, MoFire and Drip”. Speaking about the township economy which is what most South Africans feel we as the country have lost we tried to hear what Banele thinks about the subject and this is what He said, “The township economy belongs to us; we need to get more involved by owning businesses in the township that offers great quality services and products to the township dwellers (customers), If we treat our customers with respect and give them the service they deserve, a lot can change”.
Back to you, when did you commence with Igalofu Apparel and what motivated you to start? “I started with the brand design; concept in 2018, the launch of the apparel was in June 2020, just after the easing of lock-down restrictions, started with just 10 caps to sell to my golf buddies. I saw a need to consume local brand in the golf industry as oppose to international popular brand, and I saw a gap in the market to give something different to the lovers of the sport”.
People look at golf as one of the expensive sports amongst others, would you say being expensive is the main boundary there is not much black youth playing golf? And those who would like to try the sport what basic needs are required to do start? “Growing up I was one a few black young men that played golf in my hood, going into tournaments around Gauteng I met a lot more of black youth playing golf, today there are many black grown-ups playing golf, the sport being expensive it’s not the main boundary, I think the sport it’s not marketed enough in the black community, lack of exposure to the sport, if we can have more golf development in the township as we have with soccer I think we can get more young men and women playing golf. Have more golf covered in more of our TV sport channels, introduce it at school level too. For those you would like to try the sport, they will need to have passion for the sport first, because if you do not love anything you are doing you won’t see it through. On the technical side I would advise one to start with getting second hand golf gear, nothing too fancy - go to a golf driving range or open field eKasi and start hitting some golf balls, from there if the passion is present it can only get better”.
From where you standing, what are available opportunities for young people in the golf industry as a whole? “The golf industry is huge, not only limited to playing the sport, one can be any of the following in the sport: Golf Couch, Golf Days organizer (like an events planner), Green Keeper (looking after the golf course), Golf Club Director, Golf Club Fitter & Club Repair Specialist, Golf Rules Official (more like a referee in soccer)”.
What are your business highlights so far? “I started with just 10 caps to sell, currently my highlight I have to say it’s the gradual growth that the business has experienced over the years, from the midst of the pandemic with an uncertain future, Igalofu was able to strive and grow. We now have apparel ranging from caps, golf shirts, arm sleeves, umbrellas, hats and providing apparel for corporate golf days, recently we have worked with Ayepyep Lifestyle on their charity golf day”.
When not busy playing golf, what do you do to keep sane? “When not playing golf, I take long casual walks, I listen to music, I read a book every now and then, spend quality time with my family, to unwind I watch a movie alone when I find time”.