14-05-2025
Phalaborwa designer builds fashion house
LIMPOPO – Phalaborwa-based clothing designer Dontry Baloyi is steadily making a name for himself in the South African fashion industry.
Through hard work and determination, he has grown his clothing brand, Dontrissb, from modest beginnings into a thriving business.
Recently, Baloyi launched a sewing skills school aimed at helping aspiring designers learn the craft of garment-making. The school offers both day and evening classes, running in two six-month semesters from January to June and July to December, accommodating those with full-time jobs.
Baloyi was also one of 10 entrepreneurs from the Mopani District Municipality selected to showcase their brands at the prestigious Rand Show in Johannesburg over the Easter weekend.
His fashion line specialises in traditional attire for men and women, elegant matric dance outfits, evening wear, custom swimwear, and winter jackets. Dontrissb also operates an online store that not only features his own clothing but serves as a platform for other small businesses to sell products ranging from food to perfume.
'In 2025, vendors will be able to sell their products on our platform free of charge,' said Baloyi. 'However, starting next year, a small commission will be required.'
Baloyi's journey began under difficult circumstances. He lost his mother at the age of 12 and was raised by his grandmother, Anna Baloyi, a domestic worker who struggled to make ends meet.
It was during this time that he began sewing his own clothes using her sewing machine. At the age of 16, he enrolled at Rixile Education Centre in Lulekani, where he formally learned sewing and pattern-making.
'People would stop me in the street to ask who made my clothes,' he recalls. 'When they found out it was me, they asked me to make outfits for them. That's how I started earning money and putting food on the table.'
Baloyi credits his success to the support of many people in his life, especially his grandmother, his partner Sarah Baloyi, who stands by him during sleepless nights, and Jeffrey Shikhati, a father figure.
He also thanked his family, the people of Phalaborwa, and the Ba-Phalaborwa Municipality for providing platforms to showcase his work.
Looking ahead, one of Baloyi's dreams is to open a walk-in store, making his designs more accessible to the public. He is also seeking sponsorship to expand his sewing school, which currently only accommodates three students per class due to limited space.
To support or learn more about Dontrissb, follow the brand on social media, visit or contact 065 946 4859, or 015 023 0898.
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