In the heart of Eswatini’s bustling creative industry, 33-year-old Sithenjisiwe Mabuza stands as a beacon of grace and artistic dedication.
Born and raised at Sitibeni, Mbabane, Mabuza was nurtured within a humble family of five, where she grew up as the last born of three siblings.
Her upbringing was deeply rooted in the church, as the daughter of pastors Micha and Glory Dludlu.
While she acknowledges her identity as a ‘pastor’s kid’, she firmly identifies first and foremost as a child of God, a foundation that informs her professional and personal life.
The fashion designer attributes her current standing to a formidable support system.
Fashion designer
“I am where I am today as a fashion designer because of my husband”. At the forefront is her husband of 11 years, Nkoskhona Mabuza. Their bond spans 25 years of friendship, a partnership that Mabuza credits for her resilience. She notes that he stood by her through difficult periods and provided the necessary support when she felt inclined to give up.
This network of encouragement extends to her siblings, Sethabile and Qiniso Dludlu, and her spiritual parents, Apostle V Masilela and Lady Pastor Ntsiki Masilela, whose prayers and motivation she deems essential to her trajectory.
“I wouldn’t be here if it was not for their prayers and spiritual support.”
Mabuza currently operates as a full-time fashion designer based at Ngwane Park, Manzini, located near Ngwane Park High School.
Her work is a physical manifestation of her deepest passions, which include fashion, travelling and singing.
When describing her personal style and wardrobe, she defines it as a blend of ethnic aesthetics with simple modern touches. This fusion allows her to create garments that are not only stylish, but also culturally resonant. ‘‘Sometimes I design clothes for myself.”
Commitment to prayer
Her approach to success is underpinned by a commitment to prayer and a ‘God first’ philosophy. Mabuza believes that fashion should be a tool for empowerment, aiming to create clothing that reflects her values and resonates with her clientele.
Her primary objective is to uplift individuals of every size, shape and colour, ensuring they feel beautiful and confident in their attire.
Beyond the sewing machine, Mabuza is a keen explorer of her homeland. She aligns closely with the Eswatini Tourism vision of encouraging citizens to know their country. Having already visited landmarks such as Phophonyane and Maguga, she has set her sights on new horizons for the upcoming festive period.
Wedding anniversary
This December holds double significance for Mabuza, as it marks her wedding anniversary month. She plans to celebrate with her husband at The Rock in Edwaleni, a destination she has selected for its reputation for breathtaking outdoor views and excellent cuisine. This commitment to local travel highlights her belief in the beauty and potential of Eswatini’s tourism sector. “I love adventure, I make sure that I atleast have two vacations in a year.”
As the year draws to a close, Mabuza is focused on an ambitious vision board for 2026. She intends to foster collaboration within the local industry, specifically aiming to work with established designers such as Nandi Mthethwa and the street-wear specialist Zikode. Her goals include showcasing her collections both locally and internationally, further elevating the profile of Emaswati design.
God-fearing fashion designer
Looking further ahead, Mabuza dreams of meeting and working with Veekee James, a renowned God-fearing fashion designer in Africa. By sharing her journey, she hopes to inspire others to draft their own vision boards and pursue their goals with faith.
Mother of two
As a mother of two – a nine-year-old son and a seven-year-old daughter, – she remains driven to build a legacy of creativity and devotion that will inspire the next generation.
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