NEWSLETTER

PHOTOS BY MARC SHOUL TEXT BY DAVID FLEMINGER

SIMON KHOZA I was born in the village of Nqutu. I am 41 years old. As a boy, I watched my father and brothers compete in swenking competitions. I entered my first competition in Nqutu in 1991, and I won a cow. Since I moved to Joburg, I have won many swenking competitions. I own 19 suits or more, but I always check with my wife before buying another one. Most of my suits are made by Indian tailors that I know. I live with my wife and four kids in Jeppestown. I hope that, one day, my son will grow up to be a swenka. I am keeping all my old suits for him. I won’t throw them out, even though I am now too fat to wear them. Jean Pierre suit, $214. Pierre Cardin shirt, $43. Florsheim shoes, $171. Pierre Cardin tie, $29.

SABELO HLATSHWAYO I was born in Babanango in 1973. My father, Halpheus, was a past chairman of my swenking group. I remember watching him in swenking competitions in Nqutu and Durban. He looked very impressive. My father taught me how to match colors and helped me to develop my own style. I moved to Joburg in 1992 and I now work at a car-rental company, where I inspect the vehicles. I bought my first suit in 1997. It was black. Now I have a few others. It makes me feel very happy to look good. I’d like to buy more suits, but I cannot afford them yet. I live with my wife in a room in Malvern. We do not have much money, but she supports me 100 percent. She says she feels good when she sees me all dressed up. I am not taking part in any competitions at the moment, because my wife just had a miscarriage and I am not feeling strong enough to compete. But I am still looking forward to having a family in the future. Jean Pierre suit, $128. Baker shoes, $107. Cashini shirt, $200. Pierre Cardin tie, $29.

SWANKY SWENKAS... | 1 | 2 |

< PREV

MORE FROM THIS ISSUE

NEXT >