Nedbank Pitch & Polish Top 8: Interview With Nontsikelelo Mokoena

Nedbank Pitch & Polish Top 8: Interview With Nontsikelelo Mokoena. Eight talented and innovative minds have made it to the top 8 of the Nedbank Pitch & Polish competition for the R1 million prize, among them is the founder of Tol’thema, Nontsikelelo Mokoena. The competition seeks to arm the contestants with business skills and valuable insights that they can use to improve their products. StartUpMag took some time to have an insightful interview with Mokoena to find out about her business journey and experience in the competition. Read all about it below!

What inspired you to create Tol’thema, your modest fashion brand?

Tol’thema was born from my own journey with modesty and self-expression. It started with my love for headwraps. I began wearing them as a way to cover my hair, but they quickly became something deeper. They made me feel confident, beautiful, and empowered, even on the days when I didn’t feel put together.

Every time I wore one, other women would stop me to ask where I got it, so I decided to be the ultimate plug for them. From that small beginning, creating crowns for women who wanted to feel seen, Tol’thema grew into a brand that honours our cultural roots while redefining elegance and modesty for the modern African woman. Today, we create luxurious, timeless pieces that blend tradition and modernity, with the same heart that started it all: to make women feel confident, valued, and beautiful in their everyday lives.

How do you blend cultural heritage with modern style in your designs?

South Africa is a melting pot of cultures, and that diversity is reflected in every Tol’thema design. Each piece is inspired by the richness of African heritage but interpreted through a modern lens…refined cuts, minimalist silhouettes, and versatile styling. Our goal is for every woman who wears Tol’thema to see herself represented…to feel that her culture and her modern identity coexist beautifully in one garment.

Why is it important for you to source fabrics locally?

We believe that support starts at home. Sourcing fabrics locally allows us to contribute to South Africa’s economy and empower local businesses that, in turn, support families and create jobs. It’s more than a supply choice… it’s a commitment to sustainable growth, ethical fashion, and keeping our African creative ecosystem thriving.

What has been your biggest challenge as a modest fashion entrepreneur in SA?

My biggest challenge has been changing the perception that modest fashion is outdated or restrictive. I wanted to show that it can be powerful, desirable, and deeply elegant.

The other challenge has been building strong systems behind the creativity. It’s one thing to design beautiful pieces, but it’s another to create a business that runs beautifully too. I’ve had to learn how to balance art with structure, ensuring that every part of the process, from production to quality control, reflects excellence.

For me, it’s been about proving that modest fashion can be both creative and world-class, not just in how it looks, but in how it’s built.

How has Nedbank Pitch & Polish changed the way you present your business?

Nedbank Pitch & Polish has challenged me to think deeper about my business structure and long-term sustainability. It has taught us to refine our pitch, analyse our numbers, and communicate our story with clarity and confidence. It’s been a journey of self-reflection and growth…turning passion into strategy.

What sets TOLTHEMA apart in the fashion industry?

Tol’thema is more than a fashion brand, it’s a community that uplifts women. We listen to our customers and design with their real lives in mind. We offer luxury that is accessible, elegant yet attainable, and grounded in African identity. Every piece tells a story of pride, grace, and empowerment…qualities that set us apart in the fashion landscape.

How do you balance modesty with elegance and comfort in your collections?

For us, modesty doesn’t mean compromise. Every Tol’thema design combines sophistication, comfort, and beauty. We design for the modern modest woman, someone who values coverage but still wants to feel stylish, confident, and graceful. Our cuts, fabrics, and finishing details are chosen to reflect elegance without sacrificing ease and wearability.

How do you see your brand impacting women who wear modest fashion in SA?

Our vision is to see Tol’thema in the wardrobes of women across South Africa…women who feel proud, elegant, and powerful in modest wear. We want to redefine the narrative that modesty lacks glamour. When a woman wears Tol’thema, she should feel seen, luxurious, and deeply connected to her cultural and feminine essence.

What role has community or mentorship played in your growth?

Community is at the heart of Tol’thema. The brand exists because of the women who believed in it…our clients, mentors, and partners who have supported and guided us. I didn’t study entrepreneurship, so being surrounded by experienced business minds has been invaluable. Their mentorship, coupled with the dedication of our team, has shaped our growth and kept us grounded in purpose.

How would you scale TOLTHEMA if you won the R1 million prize?

Winning the R1 million prize would be transformational. It would allow us to scale production, invest in better machinery, expand our team, and strengthen our e-commerce presence. Most importantly, it would enable us to empower more women through employment and create a sustainable business model that continues to uplift and inspire communities across South Africa.