By Zenoyise John:
From the quiet hills of Mount Fletcher in the Eastern Cape to South Africa’s growing fashion and advocacy scenes, Zintsikelelo Madikwa is more than a pageant finalist—she’s a movement in motion. With elegance, heart, and purpose stitched into every step of her journey, she’s using fashion not just to dress bodies, but to elevate souls.
In 2021, Zintsikelelo stood tall as a Miss Curvybody SA finalist, using the spotlight to challenge societal norms and spread a message of body acceptance and mental wellness.
“Being a finalist wasn’t just about wearing a crown – it was about becoming a voice for those silenced by shame, bullying, and self-doubt.”
Her campaign focused on body positivity, mental health, and rebuilding self-esteem, especially among young people battling isolation, bullying, and body shaming.
“What inspired me was seeing how many kids hide from the world because of how they look. I wanted to be the mirror that reflects their worth back to them.”
Zintsikelelo’s brand, Owakui Boutique, is her creative response to identity, culture, and the power of storytelling. Launched in 2020 during the pandemic, the boutique offers Afro-inspired unisex streetwear that merges style with meaning.
“Every piece we design is a story. It’s Africa speaking. It’s history walking the streets with pride.”
Owakui has dressed everyone from developing artists to influencers and athletes, building a bridge between fashion and cultural celebration. But it doesn’t end there – the boutique is also involved in social upliftment, donating sanitary towels and toiletries to disadvantaged youth.
“Fashion can clothe bodies – but I wanted it to restore dignity too.”
Her journey into fashion began in her grandfather’s workshop. The late David Madikwa, a local designer, unknowingly ignited her passion.
“At eight years old, I was already designing outfits for my dolls with my grandfather’s fabric scraps. I didn’t know then that I was sewing the first stitches of my future.”
Her fashion philosophy today reflects that early inspiration: classic, meaningful, and unapologetically African.
“I love timeless pieces. They don’t follow trends – they tell stories.”
Facing criticism as a curvy woman in fashion hasn’t been easy – but it’s never broken her spirit.
“People weren’t ready to see plus-size women in bikinis. But instead of hiding, I educated them. Ignorance fades when truth walks in.
She used campaigns and storytelling to shift perceptions and challenge the rigid definitions of beauty that still dominate mainstream media.
“The world will try to box you in. But beauty doesn’t come in one shape. It comes in confidence, kindness, and authenticity.”
Zintsikelelo dreams of taking Owakui Boutique global, creating job opportunities and building a fashion legacy that’s both profitable and purposeful.
“I want Owakui to be a brand that doesn’t just sell clothes—but builds confidence, inspires movements, and celebrates culture.”
She’s currently styling hip-hop artist Gxarha SA for his new cypher music video and dreams of one day dressing Siya Kolisi:
“He is the definition of purpose and hope. Dressing him would be like putting threads on a legacy.
To girls and women struggling with body image, Zintsikelelo offers this heartfelt reminder:
“The beginning of wisdom is knowing yourself. Embrace yourself before the world does – because beauty has no limits.”
Her message isn’t just to love yourself = but to believe in the power of your story.
> “What you do for yourself dies with you, but what you do for others—that becomes your legacy.”
With love, unity, respect, humanity, and integrity as her guiding lights, Zintsikelelo Madikwa continues to lead with purpose. From her Eastern Cape roots to the global fashion map, she is not just designing clothes – she’s designing change. – @NewsSA_Online
Please like, follow and engage with us on our social media platforms, links below: