BY NELIWE NGUBANE
MBABANE- A small room in Nhlangano, Ngwabi has become the unlikely starting point of a big dream — putting locally made shoes on the feet of Emaswati and eventually taking “Made in Eswatini” footwear beyond the country’s borders.
For Samkelo Lokotfwako, founder of LOKZA, shoe-making is more than a business. It is a personal mission to prove that quality footwear can be designed and handcrafted by Emaswati, for Emaswati.
Lokotfwako shared his journey during an interview on Tuesday following his remarks at the IP RUNWAY: THE BUSINESS OF FASHION, FURNITURE & ART, held at The Royal Villas, where he showcased his work and spoke about turning creative skills into sustainable businesses.
His journey began earlier this year after noticing how heavily Eswatini’s footwear market depends on imported shoes.
He began asking a simple question: why can’t quality shoes be made at home?
Coming from Nhlangano Ngwabi in Shiselweni, Lokotfwako decided to answer that question with his own hands.
“I started making shoes because I want Emaswati to wear shoes that are made by us, for us,” he said.
His first pair was a modest set of leather shoes made in his room using minimal machinery. The process was slow and the shoes were far from perfect, but seeing someone wear a pair he had made himself became a defining moment.
“Loku kubunjwe tandla tami,” he recalled — a moment that filled him with pride and gave him the courage to continue.
The road to building LOKZA, however, has come with challenges.
One of his biggest obstacles is access to materials. Lokotfwako currently sources leather from South Africa, meaning delays in obtaining materials can affect production. Starting with limited equipment and working from home has also tested his patience.
Still, he refuses to let those challenges stop the journey.
His motivation comes from his belief that Shiselweni talent matters, as well as encouragement from customers who have trusted LOKZA with their footwear.
For Lokotfwako, every customer becomes part of the brand’s story.
His designs are inspired by everyday life in Eswatini and the needs of local customers. He considers durability for Eswatini’s roads, comfort in the country’s weather and contemporary style, while also drawing inspiration from traditional designs.
Unlike mass-produced footwear, LOKZA shoes are handcrafted one pair at a time, allowing customers to request customised designs.
But beyond the leather, stitching and craftsmanship lies a deeper message.
“Ticatfulo tami carry a story.”
The story is one of a young entrepreneur from Shiselweni who believes that local hands can create products worthy of local and international markets.
His first sale remains particularly meaningful because it came when LOKZA was still being built from his room. That customer’s decision to believe in his work showed him that serious commitment can attract support even when a business is still small.
The experience has also transformed how he sees himself.
Shoe-making has taught Lokotfwako patience, discipline and consistency, while helping him transition from someone with a skill into a business owner with ambitions of creating employment.
His vision is to establish a proper workshop equipped with better machinery, reduce dependence on imported materials and grow LOKZA into a recognised footwear brand.
He hopes to employ young people from Shiselweni, place LOKZA shoes in shops across Eswatini and eventually export them to international markets.
For Lokotfwako, the destination is bigger than a shoe workshop.
It is a future where someone can look at a pair of shoes and proudly say: Made in Nhlangano, Shiselweni, by a Swazi.
For LOKZA orders: WhatsApp: +268 76210297 | Calls: +268 79023938
Email: samkelolokza555@gmail.com
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