Nthatuoa Makhapha
2025 Fellow

Focus Areas
Nthatuoa Makhapha is the visionary Founder of Nthatuoa, a sustainable knitwear brand dedicated to empowering artisans and women through craftsmanship and job creation. With a background in law (LL.B. Honours, University of Namibia), Nthatuoa leverages her skills to drive her passion for sustainable fashion and community development. Notably, she was a 2023 Mandela Washington Fellow in the Leadership track at the University of Texas at Austin, where she further developed her leadership skills and global perspectives.
As a creative entrepreneur, Nthatuoa’s mission is to promote cultural continuity, fair compensation, and environmental sustainability through Nthatuoa. The brand’s vision is to become a premium, globally recognized knitwear brand, showcasing artisans talent and innovation while fostering positive social impact.
Through Nthatuoa, Makhapha seeks to empower women artisans by providing employment and skills development opportunities, while promoting sustainable fashion, fair labor practices, and global recognition of Basotho craftsmanship. The initiative also supports community development and the preservation of cultural heritage.
“As a visionary leader, I strive to empower artisans and women and future generations through sustainable fashion and community development, leaving a lasting legacy.”