The National 
Youth Development Agency (NYDA) enabled Sello Maseko (26) to grow his fashion design business by providing funding of R50 000 in 2025.
Maseko is a fashion designer, tailor and entrepreneur from Elandskraal in Limpopo. He is the founder and creative director of MASEKO Cape Town, a fashion and tailoring business based in Cape Town.
In an interview with Vuk’uzenzele, Maseko said the funding helped him acquire essential equip-ment and resources needed to improve production capacity.
“This support has helped me operate more professionally, improve the quality of my work and increase my ability to take on client orders. The funding was particularly important because acquiring professional equipment is difficult for a young business that relies on personal income,” he explained.
Maseko’s journey into the fashion industry began when he learned to sew at a young age. After completing matric in 2019, he enrolled at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) in 2022 to study Photography before switching to Fashion and Surface Design in 2024.
“My career in tailoring started before university. I began sewing and doing basic alterations while I was still in high school, and over the years I have gained practical experience in garment construction, pattern-making, alterations and bespoke tailoring. After moving to Cape Town, I also gained experience working behind the scenes with established tailors and on garments for clients,” he said.
Today, MASEKO Cape Town specialises in premium denim, bespoke garments, alterations, repairs and custom clothing, including denim jackets, trousers, two-piece outfits and other custom-made denim items.
Maseko primarily sells his products directly to clients from his studio and relies on referrals, social media and networking opportunities to grow his customer base.
His vision is to build MASEKO Cape Town into a recognised South African fashion house known for quality craftsmanship, individuality and premium locally produced garments.
Growing MASEKO Cape Town has presented challenges, particularly because the business is still in its early stages and has not yet employed staff. As a result, Maseko manages most aspects of the business himself, limiting the number of orders he can take.
Among his achievements is the creation of more than 10 garments worn at graduation ceremonies. He also received recognition after winning first prize at the Fashion Revolution Faculty Awards in 2024.
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