Her Story

About Thabo Makhetha-Kwinana

Designer. Cultural storyteller. African luxury.

Thabo Makhetha is an award-winning fashion designer and cultural ambassador born in Lesotho and based in Cape Town, South Africa. She is the founder of the African heritage label Thabo Makhetha, established in 2009 and widely regarded as one of the leading voices in contemporary African luxury fashion.

Rooted in the preservation of heritage and culture, the brand is internationally recognised for its iconic Kobo ea bohali (blankets of prestige) collection. The collection draws inspiration from authentic Basotho blankets—textiles worn for over a century as symbols of status, protection, and identity in the mountain kingdom of Lesotho.

Through her work, Makhetha translates Basotho heritage into contemporary outerwear, creating designs that bridge tradition and modern luxury. Her collections have been showcased internationally, including at Vancouver Fashion Week, and have been featured in global publications such as Vogue Italia.

Awards & Recognition

Over her career, Thabo Makhetha has received numerous honours for her contribution to fashion, design, and cultural storytelling.

Recent awards

  • Creative Industry Award Winner, AWIEF Awards (2024)
  • Arts & Culture Appreciation Award, Government of Lesotho (2024)

Selected honours

  • Impact Award for Design Excellence, Arts & Culture Trust of South Africa (2014)
  • Top 40 Under 40 Business Leader, Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber
  • Top 200 Young South Africans

Cultural Impact & Collaborations

Makhetha’s work extends beyond fashion into the broader cultural and creative industries.

She became the first fashion designer in the 150-year history of the Iziko South African National Gallery to undertake an artist residency, where her work formed part of the Breaking Down the Walls exhibition.

Her cultural influence has also led to cross-industry collaborations, including an exclusive tile collection with CTM, one of Southern Africa’s largest tile manufacturers.

Speaking & Global Platforms

A respected voice in design and culture, Thabo Makhetha is a sought-after speaker. She has appeared on global platforms including TEDx and has delivered keynote talks and panel discussions on African design, heritage, and the future of fashion.

Brand Philosophy

The Thabo Makhetha label is built on a simple but powerful belief:

“You already belong.”

The textiles and materials used in the brand represent a period in time—past, present, and future—of Basotho heritage translated into contemporary fashion. Each garment carries a story of identity, place, and cultural continuity.