“Meet Khulekani Mathebula, a Vaal University of Technology (VUT) 60th Generation graduate from Mkhuhlu who balanced his studies with building his fashion brand, Khulekani Eleganto, and is now shaping a future in bespoke design.”
22 April 2026 | Story by: Qhawekazi Memani | Picture: Kutlwano Prudence Ramokopelwa
4 minutes read time.
Fresh from graduating at the Vaal University of Technology (VUT) on 17 April 2026 as part of the University’s historic 60th Generation of graduates, Mr Khulekani Mathebula is not stepping into the future, he has already been shaping it with his own hands.
Raised in Mkhuhlu, Bushbuckridge in Mpumalanga, his journey into fashion began long before lecture halls and studio spaces. It was born in a home where creativity was not an idea but a way of life. “My passion for fashion started at a young age, growing up in a family of creatives,” he reflects. “I’ve always been drawn to creating clothing and expressing ideas through design.”
That early spark matured into purpose when he enrolled for an Advanced Diploma in Fashion and Design at VUT. The institution, now marking six decades of transforming lives through education, became the space where his raw talent was refined into professional craft. “VUT allowed me to refine my creativity while gaining practical, hands-on skills,” he says. “And to be honest, discovering that David Tlale and K.O also studied here was inspiring. It made me feel like I was stepping into a space that has produced great talent.”
Yet Khulekani’s story, much like the story of the 60th Generation, is not defined by qualification alone. It is defined by action.
While many students were still preparing for life after graduation, he was already living it. Operating from near campus, he built his brand, Khulekani Eleganto, into a growing tailoring business known for precision, craftsmanship, and attention to detail. His offering spans bespoke garments, custom designs, alterations, and repairs.
“I’ve always believed that running my own business would allow me to showcase my skills to their full potential,” he explains. “My passion for fashion and the drive to turn creativity into something meaningful pushed me to start early.”
The journey demanded sacrifice. Balancing academic demands with entrepreneurial ambition tested both time and endurance. “One of the biggest challenges was managing both,” he admits. “It required dedication and sacrifice. The hardest part was giving up sleep.”
But discipline carried him through. Like many of his peers in this milestone graduating cohort, he remained focused, consistent, and anchored in purpose.
His time at VUT shaped more than his technical ability. It sharpened his thinking and strengthened his resilience. “Academically, it deepened my understanding of design, garment construction, and the business side of fashion,” he says. “Personally, it taught me discipline, resilience, and the importance of consistency and self-belief.”
Today, Khulekani Eleganto stands as more than a business. It is a reflection of growth, persistence, and vision, values that echo the spirit of the 60th Generation of VUT graduates. “My brand has grown in experience, clientele, and identity,” he shares. “I’ve improved the quality of my work and built a reputation for delivering precise, neat, and well-crafted clothing.”
Beyond personal success lies a deeper purpose. “I’m driven by my background and the desire to create opportunities for myself and others,” he says. “I want to inspire young people from my community to believe that their dreams are valid and achievable through hard work.”
With his qualification now secured, Khulekani is focused on scaling his vision. His ambition is clear, to grow Khulekani Eleganto into a recognised fashion brand while continuing to evolve within the industry.
His message carries the quiet authority of lived experience. “Start where you are. Do not wait for perfect conditions. Use your skills, stay consistent, and believe in your vision. Life becomes better when you pursue something you are truly passionate about.”
As part of the 60th Generation, Khulekani Mathebula represents more than a graduate. He represents a legacy in motion, one that stitches together heritage, skill, and ambition into something enduring.
He is not merely designing garments. He is designing a future on his own terms.