Swazi Observer

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BONKHE SHABANGU’S COTTON SWAY TURNS 5

By DEO GRATIAS MAGAGULA | 2025-01-10

INFLUENCER, author, and Cotton Sway founder, Bonkhe Shabangu, recently celebrated the 5th anniversary of his renowned street wear label, Cotton Sway.

Reflecting on the brand's journey, which has solidified its status as a household name, Shabangu shared insights into the challenges, successes and ambitions that have defined its growth over the years.

He said Cotton Sway’s story began in 2020, during one of the most uncertain times. What started as a six-month goal to test the waters quickly evolved into a long-term venture.

“The brand launched in the middle of the first lockdown, which severely limited movement and delayed production. We couldn't fulfill orders quickly, and sourcing quality fabric was difficult due to disrupted supply chains,” Shabangu recalled.

Despite these hurdles, he said Cotton Sway persevered by turning to social media to build an online community and maintain visibility.

‘We had to take things as they came, staying hopeful for better days. The phrase ‘six months of consistency can take you five years ahead’ became our mantra and kept us motivated,” he explained.

Shabangu attributes much of this success to the brand’s core principle, which is consistency.
“We’ve remained active every day, showing young creatives the importance of perseverance and starting from the ground up. Our journey, shared frequently on social media, serves as motivation for others.

We’ve demonstrated that success comes from dedication, creativity and staying connected with the audience,” he said.

“Our story shows that you don’t need to wait for the perfect moment. You can start with what you have, build from the ground up, and create something meaningful,” added Shabangu.

He shared that he believed that the brand’s ability to stay relevant through the seasons, largely by leveraging social media, had been a key factor in its ongoing success.

Reflecting on the achievements that have cemented Cotton Sway’s status as a household name, Shabangu pointed to the overwhelming support from customers across the country.

“People from all over the country wear and identify with our merchandise, both online and offline. The recognition we’ve received from platforms like the Eswatini Creators Awards solidified our position," he shared.

Beyond awards, Shabangu valued the organic conversations where Cotton Sway was mentioned alongside other prominent local brands.

“The fact that we are referenced in discussions about street wear reflects the mileage we’ve gained over the years," he adds.

As the brand’s visibility and following have grown, so has its aesthetic and vision. Cotton Sway’s evolution has been shaped by industry trends and a continuous push for quality.

“Our social media presence has grown, and we’ve improved our fabrics and prints. Staying relevant means aligning with industry trends, so we continuously adapt,’ Shabangu explained.
The brand, which started with white hoodies, has since expanded into colourful t-shirts and other designs.

“We find inspiration everywhere, even outside the clothing space. Designing in-house allows us to stay authentic, and we work closely with service providers who understand our brand’s identity,” he adds.

Looking ahead, Shabangu envisions an even greater growth for Cotton Sway. “Our goal is to create sustainable jobs, launch a website, and expand into physical retail. We also want to participate in international fashion shows and host workshops to empower the youth," he said.

With ambitious plans and a drive to innovate, Shabangu is confident in the brand’s continued growth. “We have a lot of ideas and will take each step carefully. As long as we stay consistent and keep challenging ourselves, the future looks bright,” he concluded.

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