10/11/2025
📢 Official Statement from Mlondi Mtshali
Founder of KwaDukuza Fashion Week & Bikado Modeling and Clothing Brand
The KwaDukuza Municipality, through officials in its LED Office led by Mr. Mduduzi Zulu, has taken over my event without my consent — using my concept, my recruted designer database, and structure that I created from scratch.
I was removed days after our final planning meeting for this year’s KwaDukuza Fashion Week, even though the event now has many sponsors.
Mr. Zulu does not know anything about fashion or modeling — he stole that information and those ideas from me.
He has also been running away and not answering my calls, text messages, or emails, avoiding any communication or accountability.
I founded KwaDukuza Fashion Week to uplift and showcase local designers and models, not for others to benefit from my hard work. Since partnering with the Municipality in 2024, I have never received any payment or financial support, even though a R250,000 budget was reportedly allocated for the event.
When I refused to hand over designer profiles and portfolios to people who had no formal agreement with us, I was sidelined and removed. They have now rebranded my event as the “KwaDukuza Fashion Fair” — without my permission.
> “This event is my creation. It was built to empower our local fashion community. They have stolen my dream and my hard work.”
I have taken legal action against Mr. Zulu for fraud, corruption, and intellectual property theft, and I am seeking Payment in damages.
I will continue to fight for what’s right — not just for myself, but for every young entrepreneur whose ideas are taken advantage of.
Bikado Models, Bikado Co.
