While some local business owners struggle to stay afloat, he is expanding his brand. This year marks 11 years of Africa's number one sock brand: Skinny Sbu Socks, which scored him Forbes 30 Under 30 title and one of Mail & Guardian Top 200 South Africans. Sibusiso Ngwenya. After years of focusing exclusively on men's quirky and fun socks, Skinny Sbu Socks, is expanding into a women's range.

INCLUSIVITY

Sbu said his male customer base has been instrumental in his growth over the past decade, and it is time to include women. "Female supporters of our brand have long requested a well-crafted product designed specifically for the stylish, upwardly mobile South African woman. This is my first time catering to a female audience and it's important that we not only serve our female customers but also address issues affecting women,' Sbu explained.

PASSION PROJECT

With his passion for including women, he is also on a quest to donate 1 million sanitary pads to underprivileged schoolgirls before June 2025. It is reported that one in ten girls in Sub-Saharan Africa miss school during their menstrual cycle. In South Africa, one in three girls experience period poverty. "No access to pads means no access to education. Pads become the barrier between them and their future,' Sbu said. "People can support the initiative by visiting my website. Together, we can make a difference. Customers can support this initiative by purchasing a pair of SSS premium stockings and for every pair sold, Skinny Sbu Socks will donate a packet of sanitary pads to a girl in need,' he added. "This is a campaign where everyone wins. Our customers get stylish, premium stockings and together, we help those less fortunate.'