Sewing with a passion for community

SWoke Motswana (Pty) Ltd began its journey in 2019 when Kgomotso Kgaswe started a small fabric retail shop in Tlhabane, supplying quality materials to local tailors and designers.

The hard COVID-19 lockdown of 2021 forced her shop to close its doors and restructure the mission of her business.

What began as an act of giving soon grew into a structured sewing training centre and later, a fully registered clothing manufacturing business. Teaching sewing was a way to honour her passion for social development and philanthropy, and to respond practically to the growing unemployment crisis.

Today, Woke Motswana offers a diverse range of services and products: it manufactures custom garments, quilted accessories (such as bags and hats), home décor (including curtains and duvets), corporate wear, and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

On the training side, Kgomotso offers free basic sewing classes for the unemployed, and weekend paid classes for working clients who wish to learn sewing as a hobby or income-generating skill. They currently employ two passionate team members — a talented young male designer and a skilled older woman who brings a wealth of experience in quilting and crafts.

Woke Motswana is currently developing a formal Industrial Sewing Training Programme, and planning the launch of a Kasi Business Incubation Programme to nurture township-based entrepreneurs.

Woke Motswana is more than a business — it is a movement. Rooted in Christian values and driven by community needs, they aim to blend creativity, social impact, and economic empowerment, one stitch at a time.

Kgomotso’s next big leap is the launch of the Woke Motswana fashion brand, which will feature proudly South African designs that celebrate African identity and creativity.

Woke Motswana will not be known just as a clothing brand, but as a symbol of dignity, purpose, and African excellence.

To place orders get in touch with them.

Follow their social media channels:
https://www.facebook.com/wokemotswana

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Profile compiled by Kamogelo Makgaka – Marketing Officer, NWDC