Contemporary South African fashion brand Ezokhetho, founded and creatively directed by Mpumelelo Dhlamini, will present its latest collection, Mapetla Ext., in Paris on 26 June 2026 as part of the prestigious Africa Fashion Up 2026 Runway Show, taking place at the Musée du quai Branly – Jacques Chirac. The presentation marks a significant milestone for the Johannesburg-based brand as it showcases its work on one of the world’s most influential fashion stages while remaining firmly rooted in the stories, communities, and cultural references that continue to shape its identity.

Mapetla Ext. draws inspiration from Mapetla and neighbouring Chiawelo, two of Soweto’s most recognisable communities that
embody many of the nuances of township life — resilience, creativity, community, aspiration, and cultural expression. The collection takes its name from Mapetla Extension, where Dhlamini spent the first two years of his life and where both of his parents lived when he was born.

“As the brand prepares to debut in Paris, I wanted to revisit a place that forms part of my earliest memories,” says Dhlamini. “Mapetla represents more than a location. It reflects the spirit of Soweto — its creativity, its optimism, and its ability to shape identities and dreams.”

Adding another layer of personal significance, the campaign for Mapetla Ext. was photographed in Mapetla itself, returning to the
streets and surroundings that inspired the collection. The principal location was the home of Dhlamini’s late grandmother, his
mother’s aunt, a place that remains deeply woven into his family’s history in Soweto. By photographing the collection within the
community that inspired it, the campaign becomes a homecoming — connecting past and present while honouring the generations
whose stories continue to shape the brand’s journey.

Drawing from the visual language of the 1990s, the collection embraces bold colour, individuality, and nostalgia. Vibrant hues evoke the energy and vibrancy of township life, while solid greens within the styling concept provide balance and grounding. The collection’s styling further explores themes of memory and cultural heritage. Female models wear rollers in their hair, referenc-
ing familiar beauty rituals shared across generations, while male models wear natural afros as a celebration of authenticity and cultural pride.

The looks are completed with socks and newly introduced gold branded jewellery, marking the expansion of the Ezokhetho universe and signalling a new chapter for the brand. Founded on the principles of storytelling, craftsmanship, and cultural preservation, Ezokhetho continues to explore themes of heritage, belonging, and identity through contemporary design. With Mapetla Ext., the brand reflects on the enduring influence of place and the ways in which our beginnings continue to travel with us, no matter how far we go.

The collection will be presented as part of Africa Fashion Up, a leading platform dedicated to supporting and promoting emerging
and established African designers on the global stage. The initiative brings together designers, industry leaders, buyers, media, and
cultural institutions in celebration of contemporary African fashion.