BY NOSIPHO MABUZA
MANZINI — What began as a dorm-room friendship between two style-savvy students at Eswatini College of Technology (ESCOT) has evolved into one of the country’s most promising fashion brands.
Blackdegree, co-founded by Kwenzie Zwane and Sonkhe Hlophe, is gaining recognition not just for its clothing, but for what it represents: black identity, resilience, and creativity.
The two met in college, living just two rooms apart, and bonded over a shared love for house music and fashion. Their connection quickly translated into creativity, resulting in the first batch of Black degree-branded T-shirts and sweaters—items that became instant hits across campus.
“The ‘black’ stands for our identity and love for the colour, while ‘degree’ reflects the seriousness and depth we bring to our craft,” the founders explained.
Unlike many who enter fashion for fame or art, Zwane and Hlophe approached it with business mindsets from the start. Despite being a two-person team, they cover all aspects of the brand—from design and production to marketing and even modelling.
Their journey has not been without obstacles. In the early stages, funding was a major challenge, along with finding trustworthy manufacturers and building a loyal customer base. But sales from initial collections allowed them to invest in their own equipment, which improved quality control, cut down production time, and raised customer satisfaction.
What sets Black degree apart is its authenticity. Rooted in black culture and individuality, the brand emphasizes uniqueness and personal expression. “Black culture involves honour, expression, exploration, and diversity,” said the duo. “Our designs now reflect that uniqueness, catering to individuals who want to stand out.”
The brand avoids mass production, opting instead for limited releases of each design to preserve quality and exclusivity. “We’re not targeting a specific group,” they said. “We’re for anyone who wants to feel and look different—those who challenge creative limits.”
Balancing creativity with commerce hasn’t been easy, but the pair say teamwork keeps everything in sync. “Once the creative work is done, the business side takes over. We’ve learned to manage both.”
Currently, Blackdegree is working on sports bag collaboration with national soccer player Thabo and finalizing another with local artist Lyrikal Busta. More projects are on the horizon, though they remain under wraps for now.
With a retail presence at iKleri in Manzini and a production house at President Centre, Blackdegree also offers delivery services, with fees depending on location. Looking ahead, the founders envision global expansion, with their pieces in international stores.
“To us, success means more than profit. It’s about executing ideas, satisfying customers, and gaining respect for the brand,” they said. “And yes, strong sales help too.”
Their message is clear: believe in the vision, do the work, and let the results speak. As Blackdegree continues to rise, it remains a brand built not only on fashion, but also on community, identity, and an unshakable belief in possibility.
Follow Blackdegree on Social Media:
Instagram: @blackdegree1412
Facebook: Blackdegree1412
TikTok: Blackdegree1412
