The legend behind the Madiba shirts: an Ambassador of South African Heritage and Fashion Excellence
22 August 2024
Prince Sonwabile Ndamase, the man behind the Madiba shirts is heading for the big apple, New York to showcase his latest fashion and masterclasses in September 2024.
This will form part of the documentary on his journey as a true South African fashion icon, an luminary in the fashion industry, a designer whose work has transcended borders, nations and cultures. Forming part of this trip will be a visit to a Fashion Institute of Technology, where he is expected to share his story, aspirations, expertise and vision with a global audience.
His consistency, commitment, dedication working with diverse cultures representing a rainbow South African nation, makes him a true ambassador of South African heritage and fashion excellence. It is due to such work he is recognised and honoured locally and globally. He has recently been honoured for this work in Gqeberha on 11 August 2024 with the inaugural Eastern Cape Fashion Week Cape Aloe Legacy Award.
Having founded the Madiba shirts dressing the late struggle icon President Nelson Mandela, his legacy forms parts of the 30 years of democracy milestone of South Africa and is part of that history and heritage.
His contributions to fashion have been celebrated and recognised globally. The Mayor of Atlanta, Georgia, honoured Prince Ndamase by proclaiming the 13th of March as Vukani Day in Atlanta for his outstanding work and influence on the global stage.
Prince Sonwabile Ndamase, a royal son of the Mpondo Kingdom founded the Madiba shirts in 1994. The Madiba shirts as they are commonly known have become a symbol of South African heritage, history and fashion.
His achievements include launching the Vukani Range Creations, the brand that influences fashion trends both locally and internationally. He was also honoured with the Nkosi Ntsikayezwe Sigcau Memorial award during the Mpondo Culture and Heritage Festival in 2015 in recognition of his outstanding contributions to fashion and culture. He has dressed the likes of former President Bill Clinton and boxing legend Mike Tyson.
Through the prestigious Vukani Fashion Awards which he founded, Prince Ndamase uplifts, encourages and recognises emerging talent within the South African fashion industry.
His upcoming projects include the much anticipated launch of a new leisure line in 2025, commemorating 30 years of South African democracy with style and elegance.
Prince Ndamase's journey in the fashion world and the role in its transformation is a testament to the transformative power of fashion in celebrating and preserving cultural heritage.
TDS