Tolamo Mokhoenyana
Nominee's Province:
North West
Project Name/Description:
Puo Publications & Production
Tolamo Mokhoenyana is a multifaceted artist who channels her creativity to explore and express hidden thoughts and emotions, telling unique stories through various mediums. Her talents span graphic design, creative writing, broadcasting, content production and teaching.
When explaining her love for art, Mokhoenyane said: “My passion for art transcends trends and popularity. I create from the heart, with a perspective of analysing the realities of those around me as well as the world at large. There’s a deeply rooted purpose in my
creativity. It seeks to discover hidden thoughts and feelings in order to radically reshape the world.”
At just 25, Mokhoenyana has already published a digital newspaper and magazine, and earned a Bachelor of Education degree from the University of Johannesburg. She is also recognised as the first and only fashion designer to create high fashion and streetwear from orange sacks (kgetsi/lesang).
Mokhoenyana’s journey is one of resilience. Despite losing her mother at the age of 10 and enduring abuse from her family, which led to homelessness, she persevered and now owns two business entities: Puo Publications & Production, and Tolamo, a fashion and design company.
“I am a multidisciplinary artist who leverages my voice and creativity for the liberation and development of my community and the world at large. I design unique garments from recyclable materials, and in media, I create and craft content that inspires and empowers the Black community, particularly in townships,” Mokhoenyana explained.
