Local communities and personal experiences are typically the source of entrepreneurial energy in South Africa's dynamic townships. The origin of Skhwama, Tebatjo Tlomatsana, started in Lebowakgomo, a township outside of Polokwane, and ended in Ekangala, an area east of Pretoria. In addition to being a tale of personal development, Tlomatsana's business path is a monument to tenacity, inventiveness, and the significant influence of generating job possibilities.
"Building a brand that has ultimately created employment opportunities for others is what has made the entrepreneurial journey exciting for me," Tlomatsana explains, highlighting the driving force behind his venture. This passion for community and empowerment is at the heart of Skhwama, a brand that has steadily grown since its inception.
Skhwama, founded in 2021, emerged from a blend of necessity and vision. The idea was sparked by two key factors: the lack of a prominent local bag brand and the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. "I realized there was no prominent local bag brand that people could easily identify and access in terms of pricing," Tlomatsana recalls. Coupled with the need to create an additional income stream, this realization set the foundation for Skhwama. The market’s response to the brand has been overwhelmingly positive, with frequent collaboration offers from creatives, models, and other brands, indicating a significant resonance with consumers.
However, the road to success was not without its challenges. The initial product, Transparent PVC Crossbody bags, failed to gain traction. "I thought it would be a cool idea to have a transparent bag in the market but did not consider things like safety, such as carrying cash or a phone in a transparent bag," Tlomatsana admits. This setback led to a critical reassessment and the eventual launch of the Black PU Crossbody bag, which was met with much better reception. Subsequent releases, including Red, Blue, and White PU Crossbody bags, continued this positive trend, establishing Skhwama as a growing name in the local market.
The brand’s journey hit significant milestones in 2023, with the appearance of their first billboard in Soweto near Orlando Stadium in September, followed by another on the N1 between Centurion and Midrand. These moments were pivotal in increasing brand visibility and solidifying Skhwama’s presence in the market. “These billboards were turning points in terms of getting the brand out there,” Tlomatsana notes with pride.
What sets great entrepreneurs apart, according to Tlomatsana, is resilience. "The key element is resilience; it allows you to push through even when there are challenges within the business," he asserts. This resilience has been a defining trait of his journey, allowing him to navigate setbacks and capitalize on opportunities.
Today, Skhwama stands not just as a brand but as a symbol of perseverance and innovation. Tlomatsana’s story is a powerful reminder that entrepreneurship is about more than just business success; it’s about creating a lasting impact on the community and inspiring future generations. Through Skhwama, Tlomatsana has not only built a successful business but also a beacon of hope and opportunity in his community.
As Tlomatsana looks to the future, the goal is clear: continued growth, more collaborations, and greater community impact. His journey from the townships of Lebowakgomo and Ekangala to the national spotlight serves as an inspiration, demonstrating that with vision, resilience, and a commitment to community, the possibilities are limitless.