“The people who think are crazy enough to change the world, are the ones who do.” — Steve Jobs

   


Business


34


Drip
Website


When he was a child, Lekau Sehoana made his first pair of sneakers out of recycled materials. He went on to build a business empire on a lifestyle sneaker brand called Drip, which has grown to be recognised not only nationally but internationally.

From opening the first Drip store in 2020, Lekau now leads a team of 300 people and has 25 brick-and-mortar stores, as well as an online store. Drip is listed as number 65 on Africa’s Top 100 Most Admired Brands and is at number 2 in South Africa. The 34-year-old has a NQF Level 3 in civil engineering from Ekurhuleni West College.

Lekau, who is also a designer, leads a team of creatives who develop a product strategy and new products . The proudly South African designer attributes his success to the ability to take advantage of social media for marketing, as well as manage the cash inflows and recognise talent in people who are able to take his business and brand further.

He is driven to excel by “the fear of going back to poverty and seeing other young people work on our dream, the township dream”.


NQF Level 3, Civil Engineering, Ekurhuleni West College


Drip is listed at 65 on Africa’s Top 100 most admired brands and is number two in South Africa.


The best childhood memory came when I developed my first sneaker out of recycled material. 16 Years later inspired the brand Drip.

Keep on going Lekau, you’re actually on the right track. Don’t beat yourself too hard as you fail, this is a part of the process.


I’d like South Africa to be a Nation that gives opportunities to young South Africans. Jobs being created.

View previous winners from 2018 to 2022

Subcribe to the newsletter