Page 55 - KZN Top Business Women 2024

I believe in working together to go far.

“I was on my way home, giving a colleague a lift, when we can’t sit and wait for money to buy machinery,” Azande
Founder,
found ourselves surrounded by a mob during a strike,” Azande adds. “When the funds come, we’ll get the equipment.
Shlobo Designs
recounts. “They began pouring petrol over the car, and I But for now, we’re walking this journey together, and as
thought that was it. But just as one of them lifted a match to long as we do, we’ll achieve sustainable income.”
zande Ndebele, the founder of Shlobo Designs, ignite the fuel, someone called my name. It happened twice.”
speaks with enthusiasm about her brand. “Shlobo It was a woman Azande had once helped at the bank who Her collaborations aren’t limited to craftspeople. As a
Ais a Zulu word,” she explains. “It means a relative, saved her life. “She recognised me and told the mob to stop. motivational speaker and coach, she helps women upskill,
a family, a friend, basically everyone around you. The idea She said, ‘You will dine as a queen in my house.’ I didn’t even focusing on empowerment. “I’ve worked with KZN Top
is to marry cultures together and create products that remember helping her at first, but she reminded me that I Models South Africa, coaching young ladies on how to
reflect that connection.” had gone the extra mile to ensure that funds were released command confidence on stage,” she shares. “It’s about
Her business includes handcrafted beaded acces- on time for her grandmother’s operation.” more than just teaching them to walk; it’s about building
self-assurance and the ability to captivate a crowd.”
sories and genuine leather bags. “These bags and beads The trauma of this experience resulted in Azande
speak for you. When you walk into an international returning to KwaZulu-Natal. Despite not having a specific Support System
market or anywhere, people notice those bright, skill set, she immersed herself in the activities of local
colourful beads. They’re associated with South Africa women who engaged in beadwork, pottery, sewing, Azande encourages young women to stay committed to
and particularly Durban. It makes you stand out, and it’s and traditional dance. Inspired by their abilities, Azande their vision, even in the face of adversity. She highlights
a conversation starter.” proposed introducing extra-mural activities at a local that the challenges one encounters are unique to
school to keep children off the streets, reduce teenage each individual. “I’ve overcome difficulties by truly
Reflecting on her education, Azande describes it as understanding who I am, and I put God first in all that I do,”
unconventional. “I repeated standard three, three times,” pregnancies, and curb drug abuse. she explains. Azande also acknowledges the importance
she recalls as her English wasn’t good enough at the One of her first successes came through teaching Latin of recognising her support system—be it family, the
various schools she attended. Her time at Queensburgh American dance, where she witnessed firsthand the church, friends, or colleagues. “When the storms come,
Girls’ High marked a turning point. “I became a prefect, transformative power of the arts. A boy who had been I’m grounded. I may be shaken, but I remain standing.”
and there I discovered Toastmasters,” she says. “That’s struggling academically found a new sense of purpose
where I learned to stand out and speak confidently.” through dancing. This experience reinforced her belief The Covid-19 pandemic tested her resolve, but by listening
in the importance of fostering each individual’s unique to her “inner voice”, Azande made strategic decisions that
After school, Azande studied dental technology because talents. It also marked the beginning of her passion for paid off, including securing a significant order from the
‘parents want a doctor or a teacher in the family’, she community-driven work. KZN Department of Education.
explained. “But I hated it. I wanted to be with the
With a vision to go global, Azande has established a
crowd, to mingle, to speak.” She eventually left dental For Azande, the drive to uplift others is personal. “I often
shop in Dongguan, China, and has partnerships in
technology and worked odd jobs, including waitressing hear from women who aren’t doing anything, asking
Germany, Mauritius, and local hotels in South Africa. Her
at the Holiday Inn. It was there that an opportunity arose. me to lend them money. I always tell them, ‘I can’t keep
unique designs, which feature vegetarian-tanned leather,
“A manager from Standard Bank noticed how I interacted giving you money. Let me teach you a skill.’ Once you
are aimed at international markets while staying true to
with guests,” she recalls. “She invited me for an interview, have a skill, you can create wealth with your hands.” local craftsmanship. Her achievements have culminated
and that was the start of an 18-year career at the bank,
from sales teller to forensics.” Her leadership style is distinctly people centred. She in winning a silver award at the China Asian Expo, an
performs a skills analysis with each person to understand accolade she views as a testament to all South African
A Turning Point their strengths and assigns tasks accordingly, ensuring entrepreneurs.
they are confident in their work. Azande believes that
However, the journey ended when Azande was true excellence comes from doing what one loves, which To unwind, Azande enjoys practising Pilates regularly,
retrenched. “I had everything — a stable job, comfort,” translates into the quality of the final product. which helps her stay relaxed and focused. She dedicates
she reflects. “Then, suddenly, it was all gone. I didn’t some of her time to serving at the Bible Institute at
know what to do.” Azande’s resolve led her to the Azande’s approach to business is collaborative. “I believe the Durban Christian Centre where she finds joy and
mining sector, where she worked temporarily until a in working together to go far,” she says. Shlobo Designs relaxation in connecting with others, offering support,
harrowing experience was a turning point. is committed to handcrafting everything for now. “You and sharing advice.

Azande NDEBELE | 53