Meet the designer behind the glamour of Mzansi's A-listers
Founder of Miracle Lux Couture by Zah, she is not only a highly sought-after fashion designer, but also a dynamic businesswoman, entrepreneur and wife whose style empire continues to grow.
Zah has styled and dressed Mzansi stars including including the late kwaito legend Mshoza, veteran actress Baby Cele, rising star Lorraine Moropa, Big Brother Mzansi 's Ashley Ogley, Omuhle Gela and Zamo Dlamini.
Her designs have also made appearances on popular Mzansi reality TV shows, further cementing her influence in the entertainment industry
"I believe in helping women feel powerful, confident, and beautiful, not only through what they wear, but how they carry themselves. Fashion is more than fabric. It's a way of being," Zah told TshisaLIVE.
"My most memorable moments must have been dressing the late Mshoza, who was always representing my brand with courage and style. I remember watching TV and seeing my dresses on the reality show. I cried and said I wish my mother was alive to witness this. She was always motivating me to work hard. Recently seeing Ashley from Big Brother Mzansi wearing my dresses at the Durban July warmed my heart. It makes me happy to see people loving and feeling great in our pieces."
When Zah started in 2014, she was selling clothes and juggling a corporate job. Today she curates special designs to make women feel beautiful, confident and strong.
Her flagship brand is renowned for its show-stopping gowns and sophisticated suits.
"My process starts with a vision. I look at what's trending, what clients need and what makes a woman feel good. I choose quality fabrics, sketch ideas and work closely with my team to bring them to life. I'm also influenced by what I see during my travels and what people are asking for. We get many of out garments from different parts of the world and bring different styles for our clients."
Expanding beyond fashion, Zah launched Zahfro Vietnam Hair, a luxury hair brand offering premium Vietnamese hair products.
"Hair is part of how women express themselves. By offering the products, I'm giving women more ways to feel confident and beautiful. It's not only about looks, it's about how you feel. I used to self-test and buy quality hair products. Clients kept asking me about my hair and if I sold the products. I started Zahfro Vietnam Hair to meet the demand."
Zah has plans in the pipeline to cement her name in the fashion industry.
"We recently opened a store in Midrand, and we plan to expand to more areas in South Africa and even abroad. I also want to start masterclasses to help women and young girls with self-esteem and confidence through fashion. We believe with time we will be one of the biggest boutique stores in history. Our vision and aim is to make it a generational business and feed hundred of families through job creation."
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Citizen
4 hours ago
- The Citizen
Celebrate 15 years of Mzansi Magic
Honouring the stories that raised Mzansi On 12 July 2010, a bold new voice emerged on South African television – one that spoke our language, reflected our lives and told Mzansi-born and bred stories in a refreshing way. That voice was Mzansi Magic. What began as a modest programming block of local series and international films has grown into a powerhouse producer and showcase of homegrown content. Over the years, Mzansi Magic has delivered award-winning shows and films, created unprecedented opportunities for local talent and played a pivotal role in shaping the South African production industry. At its inception, the channel set out to 'engage producers and explore possibilities beyond traditional commissioning models'. That vision has been realised – and gone beyond what MultiChoice expected at its inception. Mzansi Magic's stories, stars and shows have influenced language, fashion and culture, while setting new benchmarks for local storytelling. From the beloved Lokshin Bioskop films to genre-defining dramas and reality shows, the channel has become a cultural cornerstone for Southern Africa. Mzansi Magic has brought us unforgettable moments: the gripping drama of iNkaba (2012), the iconic Isibaya (2013), the boundary-pushing Rockville (2013), the reality sensation Date My Family (2017) and the groundbreaking Lockdown (2017). These titles didn't just entertain – they sparked conversations, launched careers and redefined what local television could be. The channel has also nurtured new talent through initiatives like the MultiChoice Talent Factory, where graduates have gone on to contribute to some of Mzansi Magic's most beloved productions. 'For 15 years, Mzansi Magic has stood at the heart of South African entertainment — a platform where authenticity meets ambition, and where themes of family, resilience and identity are brought to life through bold storytelling and unforgettable characters,' says Nomsa Philiso, CEO of General Entertainment. 'What sets Mzansi Magic apart is not just the stories we tell, but the scale at which we tell them and the diversity they celebrate.' As part of the celebration, viewers can look forward to a curated showcase of iconic moments, unforgettable characters and fan-favourite genres – a journey through the stories that shaped a generation. A special commemorative documentary will also spotlight the channel's legacy, the talent it has nurtured and the cultural impact it continues to make. This celebration comes to life through the Mzansi Magic Pop-Up Channel – a special, limited-time experience on DStv Channel 196 – created to honour 15 years of storytelling excellence and the audiences who made it all possible. 'Mzansi Magic has always been about stories that reflect who we are… real, raw and proudly South African,' says Shirley Adonisi, Channel Director for Local Entertainment Channels at M-Net. 'This celebration is our way of saying 'Siyabonga Mzansi' for 15 unforgettable years. Our channel was raised by the audience and we're grateful for their commitment.' And the journey continues… With fresh content like the upcoming original crime drama Levels, starring Lunathi Mampofu and Bonko Khoza, premiering on 7 September, Mzansi Magic is just getting started. So whether you've been there since the very first 'Yoh!' or joined along the way – this is your moment to relive the magic, remember the icons and look forward to the next chapter. NOW READ: How the last episode of 'Shaka iLembe' made Nomzamo Mbatha feel like a 'new person'
The Herald
6 hours ago
- The Herald
Meet the designer behind the glamour of Mzansi's A-listers
From the red carpet to reality TV, Zah Makhanya is the creative genius behind some of the most iconic fashion moments in South Africa. Founder of Miracle Lux Couture by Zah, she is not only a highly sought-after fashion designer, but also a dynamic businesswoman, entrepreneur and wife whose style empire continues to grow. Zah has styled and dressed Mzansi stars including including the late kwaito legend Mshoza, veteran actress Baby Cele, rising star Lorraine Moropa, Big Brother Mzansi 's Ashley Ogley, Omuhle Gela and Zamo Dlamini. Her designs have also made appearances on popular Mzansi reality TV shows, further cementing her influence in the entertainment industry "I believe in helping women feel powerful, confident, and beautiful, not only through what they wear, but how they carry themselves. Fashion is more than fabric. It's a way of being," Zah told TshisaLIVE. "My most memorable moments must have been dressing the late Mshoza, who was always representing my brand with courage and style. I remember watching TV and seeing my dresses on the reality show. I cried and said I wish my mother was alive to witness this. She was always motivating me to work hard. Recently seeing Ashley from Big Brother Mzansi wearing my dresses at the Durban July warmed my heart. It makes me happy to see people loving and feeling great in our pieces." When Zah started in 2014, she was selling clothes and juggling a corporate job. Today she curates special designs to make women feel beautiful, confident and strong. Her flagship brand is renowned for its show-stopping gowns and sophisticated suits. "My process starts with a vision. I look at what's trending, what clients need and what makes a woman feel good. I choose quality fabrics, sketch ideas and work closely with my team to bring them to life. I'm also influenced by what I see during my travels and what people are asking for. We get many of out garments from different parts of the world and bring different styles for our clients." Expanding beyond fashion, Zah launched Zahfro Vietnam Hair, a luxury hair brand offering premium Vietnamese hair products. "Hair is part of how women express themselves. By offering the products, I'm giving women more ways to feel confident and beautiful. It's not only about looks, it's about how you feel. I used to self-test and buy quality hair products. Clients kept asking me about my hair and if I sold the products. I started Zahfro Vietnam Hair to meet the demand." Zah has plans in the pipeline to cement her name in the fashion industry. "We recently opened a store in Midrand, and we plan to expand to more areas in South Africa and even abroad. I also want to start masterclasses to help women and young girls with self-esteem and confidence through fashion. We believe with time we will be one of the biggest boutique stores in history. Our vision and aim is to make it a generational business and feed hundred of families through job creation."
The South African
7 hours ago
- The South African
Wimpy's South African rhino-tigers and the meaning of 'just now'
Wimpy has launched its proudly South African Two Tiger Deals – a deliciously local campaign where R19.90 (or 'two tiger' in SA slang) unlocks a variety of delicious, feel-good menu items. From half waffles with ice cream, filter coffee, soda floats, shakes, and more – all for just Two Tiger . To bring this celebration of local flavour, language, and lekker vibes to life, Wimpy partnered with viral duo Judy and Addi of Logan Fam, fame – known for their hilarious cross-cultural commentary and infectious family dynamic. In their latest video, shot at Mall of Africa, the couple dives headfirst into the quirks of South African lingo: Cathy Qama, Marketing Manager Wimpy says, ' At its heart, the Two Tiger Deals campaign is a love letter to South African charm – our sayings, the family moments, the shared meals, and the way we turn something as simple as R19.90 into an experience worth remembering, at a place where everyone's welcome. The branded content piece is a heartwarming exploration of Mzansi-isms – from 'serviette vs napkin' to the mysterious meaning of 'just now,' all wrapped around a table of joy. As the family tucks into their Two Tiger spoils, the film bursts with flavour, love, and local pride. The classic 'chips vs fries' debate gets rehashed, and Addi tries (and fails) to say 'tomato sauce' with a Joburg accent. Qama concludes, 'Two Tiger Deals aren't just about value, they're about celebrating the way South Africans speak, share, and enjoy time together. These are small, joyful moments – just like our menu deals.' Available Two Tiger Deals (R19.90 each): Half waffle & ice cream Short filter coffee Small classic shake Small soda float Ice cream delight
