Designer
at 15 years of age
A young man
named Diego Phahla who was born and raised in Mabopane started designer t-shits
when he was 15 years old. He calls them “Diego P clothing line”. He lives with
his uncle. His parents passed away when he was a baby and he has no memory of
them. He sells his clothes near the Mabopane mall.
Diego’s
motive behind starting this business was because of the situation at home. His
uncle is old and he is unemployed. “Finding a job is not easy, especially if
you dropped out of school in the 4th grade, things are still not
easy but I’m trying to alleviate poverty at home” said Phahla. His clothing
line helps improve their lifestyle.
However
Phahla still experiences challenges like people demanding to buy his clothes at
a lower price. He was also robbed in the year 2016 in April and the police were
unable to catch the thugs. “I do not have any sort of security, I am my own
security” said Phahla. This always makes things uneasy for him as he always
fears that they might come back for more but with the passion and love for what
he does, does not let him stop.
He also gets
help from his friend, Neo Mathibedi who helps by promoting the brand and
selling some of the t-shits at his workplace, this makes things easier for
Diego. “It doesn’t matter if South Africa has no jobs, create your own job and
be your own boss”.
Contact
details of reporter: 0628591037 mgidiemily@gmail.com
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