Why Thembi Seete Started Her Fashion Brand Mapule Collection
OkMzansi | 24.06.2026 01:02
Actress and media personality Thembi Seete has shared the touching story behind her fashion brand, Mapule Collection, revealing that the inspiration comes from someone very close to her heart—her late mother, Rebecca Seete.
Through a beautiful Instagram video, Thembi opened up about her journey into the fashion industry and how her mother’s talent and passion for design influenced her decision to launch her own fashion line.
In the caption accompanying the video, Thembi described Mapule Collection as more than just a business venture.
“The@mapule.collection is a love letter to my roots. My mom Rebecca Seete was a gifted designer, dressing people for their most special moments from weddings and graduations to Parliament and beyond. I grew up by her side, watching her create with so much love and passion. She also helped Lebo and me discover our style in the early days of @boom_shakasa. Thank you, Mama … your legacy lives on.”
In the video, Thembi explained that fashion has always been a significant part of her life, long before she became one of South Africa’s most recognised entertainers.
“Last year I came up with a fashion line, venturing into the fashion industry. I love it. Why fashion? Fashion has always been a passion of mine basically fashion raised me. Fashion took my brother and I to school.”
She went on to speak proudly about her mother’s successful career as a designer during the late 1970s, 1980s and 1990s.
“My mom was an incredible fashion designer in her days, late 70’s, 80’s, 90’s. My mother designed got kings and queens. And designers for people in parliament. My mom designed for weddings, there was no way you would have a wedding and not have Rebecca Seete hands be part of your special day. She was so good at it.”
Thembi also recalled how her mother helped shape the image of Boom Shaka in the group’s early years.
“Even in the beginning of my career, Boom Shaka, Lebo (Mathosa) and I would come with ideas and she would help us make those ideas come to live and make us look amazing on stage.”
Those experiences stayed with her throughout her life and eventually inspired her to launch Mapule Collection.
“That’s what inspired me. That’s what made me decide that okay, let me venture into fashion. It has always been part of my life.”
For Thembi, Mapule Collection is not only a celebration of fashion but also a tribute to the woman who taught her the value of creativity, hard work and self-expression. Through the brand, she continues to honour her mother’s remarkable legacy while following a passion that has been part of her life since childhood.
