06 Jul 2023

The new entrant in men’s footwear, Shangu is sure to redefine the shoe experience by bringing together function, luxury, style and culture.

At a launch of the first line last Friday, the brand’s founder, Peace Mogale, said at the heart of Shangu - an iKalanga word for ‘shoe’ - was a dedication to impeccable style and unique design.

“The shoes are entirely hand-crafted, boasting of artisan brilliance and attention to detail. They are made with superior quality leather, promising not only aesthetic appeal, but also durability and comfort,” she said.

She related a story of how when COVID-19 first hit, she was stranded in China, running short of funds while chasing the Shangu dream, which has now become a reality.

Mogale said arrangements are being made for the shoes to be available in stores across the country.

Venture partner and communication manager, Lawrence Seretse said what set Shangu apart was that its design, which  encapsulates and celebrates Botswana’s culture and heritage.

For instance, each pair is engraved with different indigenous words such as Loeto and Mosepele - signalling that the wearer is on a life journey in pursuit of their own goals.

Calling the brand a COVID-19 baby, Seretse said Mogale had dedicated her time and talent to creating and perfecting the Shangu concept when the world was in the middle of a pandemic that had ironically limited movement.

While the shoe collection is currently imported, the design work is done in-house and the plan is to eventually establish a manufacturing unit in Botswana.

The shoes retail from P1 800, and already the creators are talking of expanding the brand range to include accessories such as belts and sunglasses.

“This brand is more than just footwear, but a statement.

It is an invitation to walk in shoes that tell a story and echo the beauty of our diverse backgrounds,” Seretse said.

“For every step you take, you are not only walking in comfort and style, but also carrying with you a piece of cultural heritage.

This is not just a footwear line; it is a redefinition of what footwear can be - a redefinition etched in culture, style, and brilliance.”

The guest speaker, Citizen Entrepreneurial Development Agency chief executive officer, Thabo Thamane, commended Mogale’s visionary concept and her tenacity as an entrepreneur.

He praised the culture-infused concept of Shangu and stated that ‘this is an era where women entrepreneurship needs more representation and support’.

Thamane pointed out that such  businesswomen as Mogale were essential in breaking the glass ceiling that put a limit to women’s pursuit of business aspirations.

“Entrepreneurs like Peace Mogale, who bring to the table not only business acumen, but also a profound respect for cultural heritage, should be supported and encouraged.” he said.

He encouraged Mogale to be persistent in pursuing her dream, saying the world’s household brands started as small or medium enterprises.

Thamane hoped to see Mogale utilise local resources such as leather in her planned manufacturing plant. ENDS