MPILETSO MOTUMI and FUNDISIWE MASEKO
Bright orange walls frame the space where their creativity is given free rein.
It’s an artistic place filled with passion and determination.
Thesis is a lifestyle; a brand that aims to change the face of Soweto.
The corner shop is a concept store situated on the corner of Nxumalo Street and Machaba Drive in Mofolo.
“Hence the name Thesis – we report back on what the world needs to know about Soweto,” said co-owner and head designer Mangaliso Mbitshana.
In 2005 Mbitshana and his partner Wandile Zondo resolved to illustrate a new vision about a different lifestyle in Soweto, where people could expand their knowledge through various aspects of creativity.
Two years later, they launched the store on June 16, 2007.
“The significance of our opening on June 16 is to encourage the youth with a new revolution. We are fighting for creativity as a medium to doing your own thing,” said Zondo.
Even though they started out on a shoe-string budget and an empty shop, all that mattered to them was that they had opened.
Finally they had a place where they could be creative and merge photography, film, fine art, design and poetry in the same space.
Mbitshana and Zondo have since been joined by Nombulelo Dhlomo, who works as their public relations officer and trend analyst, and Galebowe Mahlatsi, who is the creative director.
Sibangani Ncube has joined the crew as the store manager.
“Seeing Thesis as the hub of creativity in Soweto is our main goal,” said Zondo.
Thesis expanded their brand in 2008 by hosting the Social Jam sessions on the first Sunday of every month outside the shop. The sessions provide a platform for artists, DJs, poets and comedians. They have become so popular over the years that American hip hop group Public Enemy performed there last year.
Their Facebook group boasts a membership of 1 655.
The expansion does not end there, as a café with internet access is in the planning stages.
“We are going full circle with the vision. As youth of a different revolution, we want to collaborate with other creatives and see the brand growing,” said Zondo.
He said it was important for them to give young people a chance to employ more young people.
“With the café we plan to source locally – from bakeries to planting a herb garden outside. Green is the new gold,” Zondo explained.
Mbitshana said Thesis also wanted to change the concept of the corner shop. “We want young people to follow what we do, but in their own way.”
Mbitshana is the brains behind the colourful street-wear garments hanging on the store’s rails.
“We talk about upcoming trends and are inspired by Soweto… so the street wear has its own identity,” he said.
There is a theme for every season, with the current one being Swat – Special Wear and Arts Team.
Their apparel ranges from dresses and skirts to jackets, jeans and shorts. Sunglasses, jewellery and hats are also on sale.
“Mostly young people come into the store. Free-spirited people between the ages of 15 to 35 frequent the space,” said Zondo.
He said the shop is a meeting place for young professionals, and although they open their doors at 10am, their closing time depends on when people want to leave.
Some highlights of the success of the brand include being featured in the Joburg Fashion week in 2007 and 2008. Television appearances and the media attention they’ve garnered has helped them solidify their passion for street culture.
Collaborating with Adidas for the “I Art Soweto” project in September last year and other big brands like Play and Nike were also proud moments for the crew.
“It’s not mainstream but it’s stuff that makes us happy,” said Zondo.