Self-taught designer beats unemployment
By: Palesa Makanyane
Ga-Marishane
Printing and selling clothing items seem to be one of the trendy ways to beat youth unemployment in South Africa. But a young fashion designer from Ga-Marishane in Jane Furse decided to take a unique route to fulfill his passion for fashion.
Brutus Tshebesebe (27), a self-taught designer is a founder of the Alutacontinua brand. He designs quality unique clothes and different bags from scratch. He registered his business in 2017, although he has started designing clothes long before.
He believes designing clothes has always been in the genes of his family hence his great and grandparents were also self-taught designers.
However, Tshebetsebe is not only a fashion designer but a stylish-looking gentleman with ambitious ideas. You would think he’s a model with his elegant style, he wears his brand every single day.
Tshebetsebe’s designs roar art, he finds ways to make different clothing items every day. His wish is to inspire people with the same hustle and ambition.
“Challenges will always be there in a business but to succeed is when you’re willing to take risks. I have encountered many discouraging moments but the little support I get every day keeps me going,” he said.
He explains that there’s a story to tell behind his brand slogan “Pick and Shovel”. “It is inspired by the struggle of a black man, the rate of youth unemployment in South Africa. We pick ourselves up and shovel the way up, that is the only way to survive this unemployment pandemic,” he adds.
