Ditiro holds a Diploma in Fashion Design and another in Applied Fine Arts, making her a force to be reckoned with her industry. According to her, she has always placed great emphasis on the power design has to inspire hope in the hearts of people. “I have done this by continuously pursuing knowledge and nurturing relationships in every design space I have been in. My dedication to excellence and the pursuit to preserve a cultural narrative through my work, has always inspired me to meet every challenge with enthusiasm and an openness to learn,” she said.
“Working with MRP Home has been evidence that diligence and consistency are key in building a reputable name. My collection was inspired by the heirloom millie seed and basket both objects being passed down from generation to generation inspiring hope and new life. In the future I intend to continue working and growing within the South African design industry and reaching global status and recognition,” she added.
Limpopo-born Ditiro’s brand, Serati Ltd Label, offers a surface design service as well as high craft, upcycled and ready to wear clothing. Inspired by her dreams, Sepedi culture and nature, she believes that young people in the fashion, art and design sector have a role to play in the development of South Africa.
Dr Pfunzo Sidogi, HoD at the Department of Fine and Studio Arts commended Ditiro Mashigo’s success as a fashion and textile design entrepreneur. “In recent years, our department has had to reconfigure the Textile Design and Manufacture Programme, due to the continued decline of South Africa’s textiles industry. However, we are encouraged by genius graduates like Mashigo, who apply the core artistic and design skills they obtained at the Faculty to multiple industries and markets, as seen in her latest collaboration with Mr Price Home,” he said.
Dr Sipho Mbatha, newly appointed HoD at the Department of Design Studies where Ditiro obtained her Fashion Design Diploma, expressed his excitement about the news. “We are proud of the young lady’s achievements. Together with her, the Department celebrates this milestone with her, especially during the important month of August during which we also celebrate Women’s Month. Her achievements speak to the motto of TUT “We Empower People”. We have no doubt that many of our students will be inspired by her achievements,” he concluded.