NUMXN Leads Insightful Panel Discussion at The Crochet Affair, Celebrating Five Years of Crochet Couture ZA
Johannesburg, 02 November 2025 — Crochet Couture ZA celebrated its five-year milestone with an event proudly sponsored by the Riky Rick Foundation that included a panel discussion facilitated by NUMXN at Maracanà, Sandton. The conversation, titled "Soft Threads, Strong Minds: (Re)Thinking Fashion and Wellbeing" brought together leading creatives to reflect on the connection between sustainable creative practices and mental wellness within South Africa’s slow-fashion landscape.
The program explored how artists, designers and stylists navigate mindful making, intentional consumption, and collaborative storytelling in an industry undergoing meaningful change. The event concluded with an open peer-to-peer exchange, offering honest insights into the experiences shaping today’s creative community.
Meet the Panelists
Moderator
Bonolo Mokoena
Creative Director, NUMXN
A Marketing Communications professional dedicated to shaping meaningful, culturally resonant narratives. Co-Founder and Head of Creative and Communications at NUMXN, she leads initiatives that advance and showcase young talent in the arts and humanities. Her work centres on fostering critical discourse and creating platforms that empower emerging creatives.
Panelist
Nonhlanhla Ndlovu
Crochet & Knit Artist
A creative entrepreneur and founder of Crochet Couture ZA, she has turned a personal wellness practice into a leading platform for sustainable, handmade fashion. Her designs, worn by prominent cultural figures, have established her as a visionary in contemporary crochet. She continues to champion slow fashion and highlight the therapeutic power of craft.
Panelist
Rashida Valigy
Fashion Designer, Isis Venus
Founder of the sustainable fashion brand Isis Venus, she brings her lifelong passion for clothing into bold, handcrafted designs. Her work spans garment construction, up-cycling and styling, breathing confidence and originality into every piece. She has styled and designed for notable artists including Uncle Waffles and Joda Kgosi.
Panelist
Ntokozo Zondo
Stylist & Fashion Content Creator
Stylist, model, and fashion content strategist, he is known for redefining street culture with a keen eye for detail. He has styled artists including Ciza, WashaX, King Spatjas, and DerrickTrxvy, and collaborates closely with the streetwear brand S.W.A.N.K as a model and editor. He also co-founded Music on Bizness, a platform supporting emerging musical talent.
Panelist
Khanyi Mdletshe
Fashion Stylist
Johannesburg-born stylist with six years of experience, she specialises in blending streetwear and thrift culture. She has collaborated with clients including K-Mat, Kamo Mphela, and Thandiswa Mazwai, and contributed to an upcoming Netflix original. Her versatile approach brings fresh, creative perspectives to every project.
Panelist
Mkhetwa Baloyi
Fashion Journalist
Fashion journalist and storyteller, he shapes Africa’s style narrative locally and globally. Through his platform, de mode journaliste, and contributions to magazines like Colot Theory and Grey Zine, he explores fashion’s ties to culture, identity, and expression. He has covered major events including SA Fashion Week, Braam Fashion Week, SA Menswear Week, and Africa Fashion Week London.
Panelist
Samurai Farai
Visual Artist & Curator
South African visual artist, curator, and art dealer, he is known for cubist-inspired works that explore identity, emotion, and mental health. His artwork features layered, distorted forms and vivid colors that spark dialogue around mental wellness. He has collaborated on album artwork for A-Reece, partnered with brands like Mercedes-Benz and Diesel.
Panelist
Charmain Qofela
Marketing Professional
A skilled marketing professional at Sandton City & Nelson Mandela Square. She specialises in developing creative, results-driven campaigns that connect brands with their audiences. Passionate about storytelling and strategy, Charmain combines creativity and insight to deliver impactful marketing experiences.
