Lesego Malatsi, co-founder of Mzanzi Designers Emporium and alumni of the Branson Centre of Entrepreneurship in Johannesburg, was invited to participate in this past weekend’s London Fashion Week’s Fashion Finest Renaissance, the official off-site event to the premium shows.

The only South African to take part, Malatsi joined 10 other designers from Nigeria, the UK, USA, Angola, Zambia and Ghana on 17 September, 2011 to showcase their emerging talent to the world.

Malatsi says, “Taking part in this esteemed event was such an honour as it gave me a chance to share our country’s unique creativity, energy and vibrancy. The Branson Centre’s support and practical advice has given me the confidence to succeed and create jobs for many people.”

Hailing from Soweto, Malatsi says his success as an up-and-coming fashion designer wasn’t an over-night success story.

“Like many young South Africans, when I finished my studies I couldn’t find a job. So I started my own business instead. However, finding support to help me launch my fashion label wasn’t easy so I approached the Branson Centre of Entrepreneurship and received many networking opportunities to promote my business.”

That was in 2006. Today, Malatsi employs 18 people, has a store in Maponya Mall, Soweto and exports apparel to a fashion store in Regent Street, Cambridge, UK where he was ‘discovered’ by the London Fashion Week team after they saw his work at a local event.

“A core function of the Branson Centre is to facilitate opportunities for our alumni to network and gain skills from mentors in their industry, be they local or international” explains Tracey Webster, CEO of the Branson Centre, South Africa. “As such, our UK team jumped on board to help Lesego prepare for London Fashion Week.”

Webster goes on to say that entrepreneurship is about creating sustainable employment for others by working with them to maximise opportunities.

“For example, we have connected Lesego with two other Branson Centre entrepreneurs Freda Sebolai; Eclectic Collaborations and Folake Adejuyigbe; Lord’s Hats & Accessories, who have designed the collection’s accessories, jewellery and hats.”

Another player in Malatsi’s entrepreneurial success is Nina Quiros. An American entrepreneur who is part of the Virgin Unite global community of entrepreneurs, Nina came to South Africa in November 2010 and spent three months at with Lesego Branson Centre.  Today she is regularly involved in connecting him with new business opportunities.

“In a country where unemployment is rampant and youth have little hope for their futures, we believe stimulating entrepreneurship is critical to boosting employment and fostering long-term economic growth. Lesego is testament to this vision and we are so proud of how far he has come as a South African fashion designer and entrepreneur,” Webster concludes.

For more information about The Branson Centre of Entrepreneurship, that is operated by Virgin Unite, the non-profit foundation of the Virgin Group, visit www.bransoncentre.org or www.virginunite.com.

About the Branson Centre of Entrepreneurship
The Branson Centre of Entrepreneurship was launched in 2006 as one of the global leadership initiatives of Virgin Unite, the non-profit foundation of the Virgin Group. As a unique launch pad for bold and enterprising South Africans to create successful businesses, the Branson Centre supports aspiring entrepreneurs by offering practical business skills and access to mentors and business networks to enable growth. For more information, visit: www.bransoncentre.org.

About Virgin Unite
Virgin Unite is the non-profit foundation of the Virgin Group that unites people to tackle tough social and environmental problems in an entrepreneurial way. Its aim is to help revolutionise the way businesses, governments and the social sector work together – driving business as a force for good.  This is based on the belief that it is the only way to tackle the scale and urgency of the challenges facing the world today. Virgin Unite’s overheads are covered by Sir Richard Branson and the Virgin Group, meaning that 100% of additional donations received go direct to the frontline where they are needed most.

For more information and to join the movement, visit www.virginunite.com, @virginunite on Twitter and Virgin-Unite on Facebook.

Issued for Branson Centre of Entrepreneurship and Virgin Unite
Tracey Webster:
tracey.webster@bransoncentre.org
Tel: +27 (0) 73 192 6502
Ellie Springett:
ellie.springett@virginunite.co.uk
+44 (0) 7780 855662

Issued by Atmosphere Communications
Unity Ruiters
unity@atmosphere.co.za
Tel: +27 (0) 82 392 6006/021 469 1574