Yolanda Mketo’s entrepreneurial journey is rooted in creativity and community support.
Growing up between Cape Town and Gqeberha, Yolanda was inspired by her mother, a domestic worker who sewed at night to make ends meet. This exposure to design and craftsmanship sowed the seeds of Yolanda’s future in custom printing.
In 2017, Yolanda took her first step into entrepreneurship, initially unsure of her direction. By 2020, she identified a gap in the market: the growing demand for custom T-shirts. With this realization, she launched Khozaland, a business specialising in custom T-shirt printing, which she has since expanded to offer a variety of products, such as:
- Aprons
- Stickers
- Uniforms
- Table cloths
- Family shirts
- Society shirts
- Couples shirts
- T-Shirt Production
- Customized candles
- Company give-away shirts
After her business gained momentum, Yolanda made the bold decision to leave her job as a Senior Accounting Clerk to focus on Khozaland full-time.
“This transition has been both challenging and rewarding,” she says. “I’m excited to continue growing my business while supporting my community.”
Khozaland distinguishes itself through its commitment to sustainability and community support.
Yolanda offers special pricing to local organisations and nonprofits, providing them with affordable, high-quality designs. Her personalised consultations ensure that each client receives a product that reflects their unique vision.
One of Khozaland’s proudest moments was collaborating with Sithembele Matiso High School to design custom T-shirts for the graduating class. This project aligned with Yolanda’s mission to offer affordable quality while fostering community unity.
“We worked closely with the students to incorporate their ideas and create a vibrant design that represented their school pride,” she said. The partnership was a resounding success, as the shirts became a symbol of unity on graduation day.
“When we secured the contract for the 2023/24 graduation, it felt like a significant achievement. The T-shirts were not only well-received but also became a symbol of unity among the students. On graduation day, seeing them proudly wearing their custom shirts was incredibly rewarding,” said Yolanda.
Yolanda has also worked with organisations, the Ukhanyo Foundation, the Amandla Development Program, and the Presbyterian Church of Africa, producing custom T-shirts for their events.
Recent Achievements
In 2023, Yolanda Mketo secured 8th place in the Classic Oriental Accelerator Programme, followed by a 3rd place finish in the Seda Regional Competition in 2024, qualifying her for the Seda National Pitching Competition. Additionally, she triumphed in the 1-Minute Elevator Pitching Competition through the Basali Development Programme. Yolanda is also a member of the Women in Business Programme by UVU Africa and the Women Enabled Enterprise – Amplifying Africa initiative.
Looking ahead, Yolanda plans to expand Khozaland’s offerings with embroidery services and in-house garment production. This will allow her to deliver even more personalized options for her clients.
Yolanda’s advice to aspiring entrepreneurs includes:
- Know Your Community: Understand local needs and tailor your products to meet them.
- Start Small, Scale Gradually: Build a loyal customer base before expanding.
- Network and Collaborate: Forge relationships with other businesses and organizations for mutual growth.
To connect with Yolanda Mketo and learn more about Khozaland, you can reach her via:
- WhatsApp: 073 029 4047
- TikTok: Khozaland
- Facebook: Khozaland
Her passion for community-driven business continues to inspire and support the local economy in Montclair, Mitchell’s Plain.
