How Mlungisi Mula Turned Konkhe Kuhamba Kahle into SA’s Urban Fashion Brand

How Mlungisi Mula Turned Konkhe Kuhamba Kahle into SA’s Urban Fashion Brand. In 2014, driven by a lifelong passion for style and culture, Mlungisi Mula founded Konkhe Kuhamba Kahle in Enhlazatshe, Mpumalanga. His goal was simple: create clothing that reflects township heritage and contemporary fashion. Over the years, Mula transformed a modest startup into a major presence in South African malls, offering everything from sneakers to knitted golf jerseys. His story provides valuable insights for anyone building a brand that combines authenticity, strategy, and resilience.

From Township Roots to Brand Identity

Growing up in Enhlazatshe, Mula was immersed in township culture. Early exposure to local style gave him an instinctive understanding of what resonates with young South Africans.

In 2014 he launched Konkhe Kuhamba Kahle, a name signifying doing life with purpose and confidence. His initial line featured unisex T‑shirts and streetwear with bold prints, a direct nod to his community’s vibrancy. This authentic origin story grounded the brand in relatable identity.

Strategic Product Expansion

Mula understood early that success would come through diversity. The brand’s online store now showcases unisex T‑shirts at R700, oversized tees, sneakers up to R1800, and knitted golf‑style jerseys priced between R1200–R1500.

By offering a broad product range, Konkhe captured different customer segments, from casual shoppers to style seekers. Positioning the brand as a go‑to urban label, they avoided overreliance on a single item.

Milestones That Shaped the Journey

• Launching in 2014 laid the foundation for a growing customer base.
• Expanding the collection added T‑shirts, jerseys, sneakers, and women’s clothing.
• Mall entries dramatically increased visibility, Konkhe now sells via Riverside Mall, Menlyn Mall, and OK Centre.

Strategic Marketing and Community Trust

Konkhe Kuhamba Kahle relies on organic promotion and strong community engagement. Mula frequently makes media appearances, including interviews about counterfeit clothing and brand protection.

On platforms like Instagram and X, he shares heartwarming support from customers and stays vocal about brand values.

Overcoming Challenges and Building Credibility

Fashion is vulnerable to imitation. Mula publicly addressed fake goods in media outlets, taking a stand to protect his brand’s integrity.

He also faced a common retail challenge, expanding too quickly without ensuring consistent quality. Concerted efforts around product checks turned rapid growth into dependable customer satisfaction.

Lessons from the Konkhe Journey

• Show up with Culture: Connecting to your roots builds a unique identity that attracts loyal customers.
• Expand Your Range Strategically: Diversifying products reaches new segments while preserving brand cohesion.
• Start Local, Scale Smart: Entering malls after establishing online presence helps manage risk and test demand.
• Own Your Story Publicly: Being transparent and visible, especially in crises, grows trust and brand respect.
• Stand Strong Against Copycats: Publicly protecting your brand shows leadership and earns consumer loyalty.

The Path Ahead

Now stocked in major South African malls, Konkhe Kuhamba Kahle is poised to expand further. With online staff and reach into major retail, Mlungisi Mula is exploring growth into more shopping centers and potential export markets. What remains essential is keeping those township roots alive in every garment, something that keeps the brand relevant, authentic, and impactful.