The Birth of Shandis

BY MBALI TEBELE

It's a new year and what a way to start 2023 with new pair of sneakers to walk the journey of 2023 with.

Shandis Footwear officially launched its sneaker this past week end, on the 4th of February 2023 in Parktown, Johannesburg, Shandis footwear is owned by Letlhogonolo Motseeng in partnership with none other than Media Personality, Mohale Motaung.

Letlhogonolo is also the founder and owner of Moja Chicken hailing from Taung , North West Province, and recently joined the sneaker industry following up on the success of Bathu and Drip owned by Mr Theo Baloyi and Lekau Sehoana.

The aim of the sneaker is to create pride for the ordinary and allow people to walk with that thing. Since well the meaning of shandis means that thing, the tagline for the brand is walking with that thing. Letlhogonolo said growing up as as child in a small village in Taung coming from a poor household dented his confidence throughout his schooling years. He says he has never worn any school shoes in school.

"My mom would only buy me any pair of black shoes so that I could wear them at school and on weekends. Growing up with no confidence as a child was tough for me because I’d be mocked for always wearing the shoes or for my dark-skinned tone.

"I do understand that a lot of people do suffer from a lack of self-esteem or confidence due to many reasons, which could be unemployment, not being educated, or any other possible reason. I created shandis to create pride for the ordinary so people can walk with that thing and when I say that thing I am referring to self-esteem and confidence. Walk with confidence, walk with pride and own your own pride. Shandis is a beautiful, authentic and uniquely South African brand that brings South Africans together no matter of colour or race because it does give you that thing.

"I have high hopes that South Africans will support me and walk with me on this beautiful journey. The more support I receive will enable me to open stores and create jobs for South Africans of all races," Letlhogonolo shared.