From Rural Roots to Safari Wear Innovator: The Story of Mokatani
From Rural Roots to Safari Wear Innovator: The Story of Mokatani. Malebo Matlala didn’t grow up dreaming of fashion runways; she grew up in Sekhukhune, surrounded by nature, farming life, and the rhythm of rural communities. That upbringing inspired her to design clothing that reflects both the wild beauty of Africa and the resilience of its people. Today, Mokatani is a premium outdoor and safari apparel brand, handcrafted, culturally rooted, and proudly South African. This is the journey and the business wisdom behind its success.
A Journey Rooted in Nature and Identity
Malebo studied at Sekhukhune TVET College before launching Mokatani Clothing. Her vision was clear: create apparel that integrates functionality and pride, workwear that serves outdoor workers and adventure seekers while carrying stories of heritage. She intentionally draws on rugged landscapes and farming traditions in her designs, making each piece both practical and meaningful.
Strategic Steps That Built Momentum
1. Start with an underserved need
Malebo noticed that farmers and outdoor workers lacked clothing that was both durable and stylish. She combined her personal experience with their needs to build a brand that fills this gap.
2. Build local before going global
Beginning in Limpopo, Mokatani crafted products with local materials and manufacturing. This grounded her brand in authenticity before scaling.
3. Secure structure to support creative growth
Support from the Centre for Entrepreneurship Rapid Incubator at her college was pivotal. Through training, business advice, and mentorship, Malebo went from hustling informally to formalising a business with six employees.
4. Brand alignment matters
Her designs, influenced by Africa’s landscapes, and the brand’s positioning as “premium safari wear” helped it stand out in a competitive market.
5. Earn recognition that builds credibility
Mokatani earned the Proudly South African seal, a milestone that opens doors to national markets and customers who value local, quality brands.
6. Be bold in expansion
Supported by the incubator, Malebo expanded to Namibia and plans visits to markets like China, showing that small-town brands can think global.
Milestones That Shaped the Brand
| Milestone | Impact |
|---|---|
| Founding rooted in Sekhukhune and TVET College roots | Built from rural identity and formal support |
| Mokotani Safari Clothing launch | A new, purpose-driven apparel brand inspired by African wilderness |
| Growth to six employees | Signalled formalisation and capacity to deliver |
| Proudly South African accreditation | Boosted credibility and connection with local markets |
| Expansion to Namibia and beyond | Demonstrated ambition and cross-border potential |
Navigate Challenges with Purpose
Malebo faced the common challenges of rural entrepreneurs, limited marketing, small capital, and market skepticism. But her response was strategic: tapping into incubator resources, focusing on design quality, and winning local recognition, she built trust without sacrificing vision.
Lessons for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
- Listen to context
Build products that reflect real needs, in Mokatani’s case, outdoor durability merged with cultural pride. - Formalise support early
Incubators or mentorship opportunities can transform a passion project into a sustainable enterprise. - Use brand credentials wisely
Certificates like Proudly South African become trust symbols that unlock new customers and opportunities. - Scale in stages
Start with local excellence, then expand regionally, confidently stepping into export and global markets. - Culture is your competitive edge
Mokatani succeeds because it honours heritage and place, not just fashion trends.
Where Mokatani Goes Next
From Sekhukhune to new frontiers, the brand is poised to widen its footprint across southern Africa, tapping adventure travel and outdoor lifestyle markets. With plans already unfolding for broader exports, Malebo is proving that deep roots can support wide growth.
A Brand Built with Heart and Strategy
Mokotani represents the intersection of terrain, tradition, and tenacity. Through rural insight, formal support, and value-based design, Malebo Matlala shows us what it takes to turn identity and craftsmanship into a brand that travels the world, one safari outfit at a time.
