Ex-SABC exec turns to fashion

Former SABC general manager of international content, Jackie Motsepe, is turning her attention to fashion - five months after leaving the public broadcaster.

Motsepe's new retail venture, Morongwa House of African Fashion, will be launched on May 7. Pop-up stores will be opened in Parkhurst and Oakdene in Johannesburg.

The launch of the fashion house was inspired by her numerous African expeditions. She has roped in West African designers Clara Lawson Ames and Kinabuti to help "broaden the offering of continental African fashion", but remains the sole investor .

"I hope to attract interest in investment as the brand grows and proves its worth."

So don't expect to find Oscar de la Renta, Alexander McQueen, Stella McCartney, Marc Jacobs, Diane von Furstenberg, Manolo Blahnik and Giuseppe Zanotti stocked at Morongwa.

"I'm targeting urban, modern, stylish and sophisticated lovers of fashion. I believe the brand will have broad appeal," Motsepe said.

"The intention is to make the fashion affordable and accessible but in line with the prestige the labels have and what one would pay for a good fashion brand."