Guess who’s officially a practicing fashion lecturer?! 💃🏾🙌🏾❤️🔥
If you guessed Aphelele Zanenhlanhla Lesedi Chonco, then ding ding ding – you’re absolutely right 🎯
Becoming a lecturer has been part of my long-held dream, and while I’ve already been walking in this purpose for a while, this is my official announcement. I’m deeply grateful for the opportunity to transfer my skills and passion to the future minds and hands of South Africa’s fashion industry 🧵
This new teaching role is a beautiful extension of the many hats I wear – particularly as the founding designer and owner of UP_PHELELE. Both careers feed into each other harmoniously. I’m at a point in my journey where my passion for fashion has met my passion for teaching – and it’s nothing short of fulfilling ❤️🔥
Of course, I could never forget my other calling: writing and storytelling – something I share here on The Book of Aphsie and on the UP_PHELELE blog. I once wrote in a post that “my revolution will be blogged”, a playful twist on the famous line, “The revolution will not be televised.” That truth still stands 💯
This moment in my life feels especially bold and beautiful because I’ve just emerged from a tough depressive episode that lasted from late February to mid-June. It was one of the most difficult seasons of my life, but by God’s grace – I made it through 🙌🏾
This victory is now part of My Testimony, and I return to my daily routines with renewed energy, purpose, and peace. I’ve just come back from a refreshing winter-break, and one of the highlights was attending the Hollywoodbets Durban July (HDJ) and finally meeting UP_PHELELE’s very first design intern, Moitsheki Kobedi✨
Moitsheki and I had been working virtually for 1.5 years, nurturing a mutually empowering creative relationship. We finally met in person, both dressed in our own original designs – see the joy for yourself in my latest social post 🥰
This year’s HDJ theme, Marvels of Mzansi, had me reflecting deeply on our rich South African heritage, especially through the lens of fashion and costume. Inspired by that very spirit, UP_PHELELE’s latest collection, NGUNI SUITS, celebrates the ceremonial dress of our Nguni tribes – Zulu, Xhosa, Ndebele, and Swati.
My look for the event was a festival-friendly version of our MBHACO JUMPSUIT – the perfect blend of comfort and culture. I truly look forward to attending many more HDJs and local celebrations of our fashion identity 🇿🇦
Here’s wishing you a beautiful start to this new season: emotionally, creatively, and spiritually – makwande 🕯
Yours (but mine first),
I just loved reading this and to see how God has held you , how you’ve grown and upon reading 🙌🏾🌱, I could literally feel the joy and excitement, that left smiling too as though I’m part of your achievement, you truly managed to bring me to your world by sharing your joys , to more hats and victories , Nontombi
Thank you so much sis, your words mean the world — I’m so grateful you could feel the joy with me. Here’s to more growth, grace, and shared victories 🥂