In the heart of Johannesburg’s fashion world, Kwanele Finch Thusi has become a name worth knowing. Known for his breathtaking designs under the FinchWear brand and his title as Mister Africa International 2023, Kwanele’s story is a mix of determination, hard work, and belief in himself.

His journey, from selling clothes on the streets of Johannesburg to making a mark on international platforms is nothing short of inspiring. It is a story of resilience, proving that dreams are achievable, no matter how tough the road may be.

Fresh from Nigeria, Kwanele returned with two prestigious awards: Fashion Model of the Year and Brand of the Year 2024 at the Africa Fashion and Designer Awards. In an interview with My Afrika Magazine, he opened up about his rise from difficult beginnings to international success. Growing up in a small village in KwaZulu-Natal, Kwanele experienced hardship early on. “Life was not easy, but it shaped me,” he shared. “My parents taught me to work hard and keep pushing forward, even when we had very little. I dreamed of creating something meaningful, but back then, it felt so far away.”

When asked what gave him the courage to keep pursuing his dreams after moving to Johannesburg, he said, “I have always believed in starting over when needed. When life knocked me down, I reminded myself that failure is not the end, it is just part of the journey. I picked myself up, found my strength, and kept going. That mindset saved me during the hardest times.”

Kwanele recently made his debut as a runway fashion designer at the Africa Fashion Designers Awards in Nigeria. It was not just a milestone for him, it was a statement. That evening, he walked away with two awards, marking a turning point in his career.

“Winning Fashion Model of the Year and Brand of the Year 2024 was an unforgettable moment,” he said. “It felt like every sleepless night, every sacrifice, and every struggle had paid off. These awards are not just for me. They are for everyone who supported me and for those who need to believe that dreams can come true.” The night was not just about awards. Kwanele also signed a deal with one of Nigeria’s top international models, who will now serve as the brand ambassador for Finch Wear.

As Finch Wear grows and prepares to enter global markets, Kwanele is already working on a new line that combines African heritage with modern, contemporary designs. Beyond fashion, he is determined to give back. “I want to use my platform to mentor young designers and models. I want to show them that where you start does not have to define where you end up. No dream is too big, and no challenge is impossible to overcome,” said Kwanele.

Kwanele Finch Thusi’s story reminds us all that success comes to those who keep showing up, keep believing, and keep putting in the work, one step at a time.