From one of Gqeberha’s toughest neighbourhoods, Ezinyoka, two brothers, Sibahle and Simamkele Wole, launched a clothing brand born out of adversity. Their brand, NDIMNYAMA, came to life during the darkest days of the COVID-19 pandemic, a time when the world was reeling, and they had little more than their dreams and a burning desire to escape the harsh reality surrounding them eKasi. Living in the rural village of Peddie before moving to Ezinyoka, they had witnessed hardship and pain, but they never let go of their dreams.
“We started our journey together in 2020, hustling with nothing in our pockets but hunger to progress,” says Sibahle. For them, NDIMNYAMA was more than just a business—it was a beacon of hope. “As young black people, we all got a problem of not believing in our dreams just because of not having money or supportive parents. We tend to forget how special we are and get depressed, start smoking drugs just because we want to escape reality.”
Sibahle and Simamkele refused to succumb to that fate. They envisioned a brand that not only reflected their struggles but also instilled pride in others like them. “NDIMNYAMA,” meaning "I’m black like a night full of stars, shining so bright and beautiful in the dark of my soul," became a powerful symbol. Their hand-printed shirts carried bold messages, intended to make people proud of their identity, their roots, and their resilience. “Even if it’s too dark like a night, just know there is always a star to light up your way to success,” Sibahle explains. Their clothing aimed to tell people that even in the darkest moments, there is potential for greatness.
Life had tested these two young brothers relentlessly, but they found solace in their creativity. The brand’s journey wasn’t smooth, though. The brothers struggled with finances, often battling the limitations that came with being broke. But this hardship never dampened their spirits. In fact, it fuelled them. “Being BROKE but CREATIVE just completes the ego,” says Simamkele, with a grin. “We were never gone but in the darkness of the night. Now the star is shining brighter than ever.”
Their passion for making a difference didn’t stop at clothing. While NDIMNYAMA was gaining traction, Sibahle and Simamkele turned their attention to the youth in their community. They used photography as a tool to uplift and inspire young people, encouraging them to model for the brand and pursue dreams beyond the constraints of the township. The brothers saw potential in everyone around them and wanted to foster it, knowing firsthand the consequences of giving in to negativity.
After a brief period of silence in the fashion industry, they re-emerged with new energy and a fresh perspective. They didn’t just bring back the NDIMNYAMA brand; they introduced a new name: BROKE CREATIVES. It wasn’t a departure from their original message but an evolution, reflecting their reality. “It’s not that there’s a problem with NDIMNYAMA,” Sibahle clarifies. “It’s just because we’re broke and creative.”
BROKE CREATIVES stands as a testament to their journey, a brand that speaks to anyone who’s ever felt constrained by their circumstances but never let go of their dreams. “Now it’s time to let go of the feeling we feel explode and enjoy the craft we’re crafting,” Sibahle shares, with an air of pride. The brand embodies their belief in pushing beyond the limits imposed by society and circumstance. It’s about embracing creativity and dressing not only bodies but souls with the warmth and beauty of their unique designs.
To reach more people, the brothers opened an online store, making their clothing accessible to anyone with a simple click. It was another step toward sharing their message of resilience and creativity with the world. “Please visit and support our brand,” they urge. “Scene and find yourself free things.”
Through NDIMNYAMA and now BROKE CREATIVES, Sibahle and Simamkele have proven that dreams, no matter how daunting, can shine like stars even in the darkest nights. Their journey continues, driven by the same hunger for progress that started it all.