TOP 16 YOUTH-OWNED BRANDS AWARDS 2026
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TOP 16 YOBA AWARDS

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Don't miss the celebration of young brands, creators, entrepreneurs and changemakers. Join us for an unforgettable evening at the TOP 16 YOBA Awards.

02 SEPTEMBER 2026
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Tshepo Jeans apparel brand logo
Inaugural YOBA Winner

Tshepo Jeans

Tshepo Jeans is a South African denim brand founded by Tshepo Mohlala in 2015, producing premium, locally made jeans and apparel, crowned as the Overall Top Brand and Top Apparel Brand (sponsored by Sakhumnotho) at the inaugural Top 16 Youth-Owned Brands Awards.

Overall Top Brand Top Apparel Brand South Africa

Brand Story

Tshepo Jeans is a South African denim and apparel brand founded in 2015 by Tshepo Mohlala.

The brand was created to produce premium, locally made jeans that fit African bodies and lifestyles, challenging the dominance of imported denim.

Tshepo Jeans has grown into a recognised youth-owned fashion label, known for quality craftsmanship, local production and a strong brand story of resilience and entrepreneurship.

At the inaugural Top 16 Youth-Owned Brands Awards, Tshepo Jeans was crowned Overall Top Brand and Top Apparel Brand, sponsored by Sakhumnotho, marking a milestone for local denim and youth fashion enterprise.

Why It Exists

Tshepo Jeans exists to create premium, locally made denim that fits African bodies and celebrates local manufacturing and design.

The brand was created to respond to the lack of high-quality, locally produced jeans and the reliance on imported denim that often does not fit or reflect local needs.

Through local production, quality craftsmanship and a strong brand identity, Tshepo Jeans aims to build a sustainable African denim label and inspire more youth to enter fashion and manufacturing.

The Purpose

To produce premium, locally made jeans and apparel that fit African bodies, celebrate local manufacturing and build a sustainable, youth-led fashion brand.

Founder & Key People

Tshepo Mohlala, founder of Tshepo Jeans

Tshepo Mohlala

Founder

Tshepo Mohlala is the founder of Tshepo Jeans, a South African denim and apparel brand launched in 2015.

She has built the brand around local production, quality craftsmanship and a strong story of youth entrepreneurship in fashion.

Tshepo is recognised as a leading young fashion entrepreneur in South Africa, contributing to the growth of local denim and apparel manufacturing.

Achievements & Recognition

Tshepo Jeans has earned recognition for its contribution to South African fashion, local manufacturing and youth entrepreneurship.

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Overall Top Brand & Top Apparel Brand

Tshepo Jeans was crowned Overall Top Brand and Top Apparel Brand at the inaugural Top 16 Youth-Owned Brands Awards, sponsored by Sakhumnotho.

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Local Denim & Youth Fashion Leadership

The brand is acknowledged for producing premium, locally made jeans and apparel, building a sustainable youth-led fashion label in South Africa.

What They Do

Tshepo Jeans designs, manufactures and sells premium, locally made jeans and apparel, operating as a youth-led fashion brand focused on quality, fit and local production.

Denim Jeans Apparel Local Manufacturing Fashion Brand