Tanele Dlamini - Celebrating Excellence Amongst the Youth of Swaziland

Tuesday 6 January 2009

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Tanele Dlamini
Tee Dee X Designs

I was inspired by the talent displayed and I realized that, that was where I wanted to be and that was just what I wanted to do.

Full Name: Tanele Xolile Dlamini

is a 26 year old single woman who is the last born in her family.

Business: Tee Dee X Designs

Situated at Office #9, Shiselweni House, Gwamile Street Mbabane.

This business was started in 2001 with other people but it has since become the sole propriety of Tanele. 2008 is the 7th year of business. It has not been easy for Tanele but she is proud of her achievements thus far and looks forward to a bright future.

In her own words:

I had my first break the same year I started, 2001. There was fashion show under the theme , Spring/Summer Fashion Show.I did not do very well in that one due to the fact that I was informed very late hence I did not have enough time to prepare the clothes. It was disastrous.

The next year, 2002, was much better. The show was at the Tiger City, Manzini. The theme of this show was Crème de la Crème. This was an eye opener, an extravagant show dedicated to upcoming and aspiring designers. Some of the designers who were present at that time included the likes of Mlandvo, Nomfundo, Faith Dlamini, just to name a few.

I was inspired by the talent displayed and I realized that, that was where I wanted to be and that was just what I wanted to do. This show put me firmly on the ground and made me realise that if young people like me could do such then the sky was the limit. I seriously learned a lot.

A very recent show was at the end of 2007, at the the Convention Center, Ezulwini Royal Swazi Sun. I was invited by an Afro Jazz artist and a friend I hold in high esteem, Mfanseni Bholoja. This show was dubbed a 'Fench Prelude'. He was raising funds to go and record in France. He had invited me to showcase my designs (displayed in slide show below). This show went well as I shared the stage with the design guru La Pam.

Advice to youth:

Whatever you believe you can do and what you want to do, go ahead and do it. Do not be discouraged by people who don't have anything you can learn from and don't spend time with people you don't benefit anything from.

Other Profiles

Bholoja - Swazi Soul/ Afro-beat Musician
Ndo Mdlalose - Clinical Psychologist
Skhulile Dlamini - Fashion Designer