TUT alumna’s jewellery earns national recognition

For Kamogelo Phago, winning the Top Manufacturing Brand Award at the 2026 Top16 Youth-Owned Brands Awards on 2 September 2026, was about more than receiving a trophy. It was a moment of recognition for a journey built on faith, resilience, sacrifice and an unwavering belief in her vision.

Kamogelo Phago, the founder and creative director of LuxityFine Jewellery. The TUT Jewellery Design and Manufacturing alumna is the founder and creative director of LuxityFine Jewellery, a South African jewellery brand built around craftsmanship, individuality, identity and legacy.

She said the award affirmed that the work she has been building quietly is finally being seen and recognised. For Phago, it represents a milestone, a transition from building quietly to being recognised publicly.

“As a young South African founder, there are many moments when you have to keep going without applause, without validation and sometimes without knowing whether anyone is noticing the work you are putting in,” she said.

Phago believes LuxityFine stood out because it is not simply about selling jewellery, but about creating pieces that carry meaning, tell stories and become part of the identity of the person wearing them. Every piece is designed with intention and handcrafted with attention to detail.

The announcement of her name and brand as the winner was deeply emotional. She said she thought about the difficult days when she questioned whether the next step would work.

“It was emotional because I wasn’t only celebrating an award. I was celebrating every version of myself that refused to give up,” she said.

Her emotional acceptance speech also highlighted the challenges of being recognised as a young black woman building a brand in a predominantly male- and white-dominated industry. Phago has experienced moments when her work, knowledge and expertise were overlooked, including being perceived primarily as a salesperson rather than the founder and creative force behind LuxityFine.

She said her decision to speak about this was not to seek sympathy, but to gain visibility and representation.

“Sometimes we have to tell our stories so people can understand the person, vision and journey behind the brand,” she said.

TUT played an important role in shaping her journey. Her studies equipped her with technical knowledge, creative discipline, and craftsmanship, while teaching her that creativity is not simply about having an idea but about having the courage and skills to turn it into something tangible.

Looking ahead, Phago wants to expand LuxityFine’s manufacturing capacity, create opportunities for young women entering the jewellery industry and establish an accredited training centre and jewellery incubator for aspiring designers and creatives.

Her message to fellow TUT alumni is simple: “Do not confuse being unseen with being unsuccessful.”

She encourages entrepreneurs to keep building and investing in their skills and brands, and to continue showing up even when there is no applause.

Her jewellery has earned her the Top Manufacturing Brand Award.