By Selloane Ntshonyane/span>
- Designer Ntokozo Mtsweni creates luxury spiritual clothing that sangomas can wear to weddings and fancy events, not just ceremonies.
- Gogo Mazweni started Ndalwenhle Creations to change stereotypes around traditional healer fashion and boost confidence in the spiritual community.
A Durban designer is changing how sangomas dress by creating stunning outfits that can be worn anywhere from rituals to weddings.
Ntokozo Mtsweni, known as Gogo Mazweni in the spiritual world, got tired of seeing poorly made traditional healer clothes and decided to do something about it.
Her company, Ndalwenhle Creations, makes high-end spiritual clothing that looks as good at a fancy event as it does during traditional ceremonies.
“The stereotype around being a sangoma has been viewed as struggle rather than success,” said Mtsweni.
The 32-year-old from Emalahleni started loving fashion as a child, when her seamstress aunt let her play with fabric scraps during school holidays.
She studied fashion design after school, but everything changed when she became a sangoma.
“I started dreaming of ancestral fabrics, colours, and prints. I needed clothes that helped me connect to my guides,” she said.
Mtsweni was not happy with the quality and look of most spiritual clothing on the market.
Her designs use traditional patterns and colours, but with modern cuts and luxury finishes that make sangomas look like they stepped off a fashion runway.
“As a healer, how you present yourself affects how your followers will relate to you,” she explained.
Her clients love the new look and say the clothes boost their confidence whether they’re doing healing work or attending social events.
Mtsweni believes more people will start wearing full spiritual outfits daily, even to work, as South Africans embrace their culture.
“It’s about confidence, connection, and culture,” she said.
Pictured above: Ndalwenhle Creations.
Image source: Supplied
