He feels like a dark cloud is hanging over his business. For years, he has been a thriving designer, loved by many for his impeccable quality and creative designs. But Fashion Designer, Thando Piliso, says the year 2023 has been full of great prospects but also challenges for his business. Just as he was getting his life together after robbers ransacked his design studio, the taxman came knocking at his newly fixed door demanding he pay taxes for three years. He has designed garments for the likes of celebrities Somizi Mhlongo, Amanda Black, Nomcebo Zikode, Zikhona Sodlaka, Phila Madlingozi and Zandile Msutwana.
THE ROBBERY
In July, just as he was preparing to head to Accra Fashion Week in Ghana, his studio was broken into and equipment including his unseen designs valued at R200 0000 were stolen. Thando (35) says he felt like he was having a bad dream, or someone was pulling a prank on him when the owner of the building where his studio called him about the incident. The robbery left the designer and his team in a state of shock and despair. "To be honest I don't have hopes of getting the clothes back, but I would like to know where those who stole them are planning to wear them."
NOW THE TAXMAN
He was on his way to buy fabric for the Eastern Cape Arts and Fashion Week happening on 3-4 November where he is co-founder and will also be showcasing. To his surprise, his bank cards stopped working. It's later when he consulted the bank, he found that SARS had frozen his accounts due to unpaid taxes. According to documents seen by ZiMoja, Thando owes a whooping R106,000 in taxes after not filing for a total of three years. "It's devastating. Such an inconvenience. But I am working to solve the matter," he says.
NOT KNOWING BETTER
The designer says he is in the process of sorting out his documents and taxes. "It's being really unfortunate for me. I really don't know much about taxes. I guess I will learn something in the process," he says. "You can just imagine my shock when I could not access my accounts," Thando says adding that he has learned to prioritise his business. "You know we are so busy that we take things for granted, things like filing every season can ruin one's hard work and reputation. I am not sure where I will get the money, but I am currently at the offices as we speak to make arrangements. I am working side by side with my accountant and a financial advisor," he says.
