Meet Simon Mdaka from Matlala Vlakfontein in Polokwane, a savvy social media user who is the proud founder and CEO of the clothing brand, First Things First, which is primarily a reminder that your dreams and goals are for you to prioritise and achieve.

First Things First creates high-quality collections of hoodies, sweaters, golf shirts and other accessories including cups and key holders. It was established early in 2020.

Mdaka says that putting First Things First means having self-awareness and knowing yourself. He says that he doesn’t want First Things First to be just another clothing line. He wants it to be a commitment to quality and longevity. “I’ve realised that opportunities do not present themselves to you, rather you create them. As a result, people should start prioritising certain ideas,” says the 31-year-old. 

Lesego Modiba who is a brand quality specialist says that the material of the brand is impenetrable. “If you can’t see the outline of your hand through the cloth when you hold it up to the sun, it means the fabric will be more durable over time. According to her, high-quality pants are usually heavier and stiffer at first due to the higher thread count of the fabric. 

“By comparison, cheaper denim also feels soft right off the rack because it contains less fibres and is often pre-washed with chemicals to achieve the softness, which can potentially reduce its durability,” she says, praising the First Things First fabric.

The brand was inspired by how Mdaka believes in hard work and how it would never let you down. Mdaka has expended his offerings to include kiddies and formal wear, as well as hosting events and competitions. His collaboration with Hanoc Baloyi from Energy FM as a model and branding designer has created exciting prospects for the future.

Simon says the aim was not to make a living from the brand, but to inspire hope first – it gets him through the challenges that come with independence and lighting up the lives of those who have lost hope. “Style is a way to say who you are, without actually making a sound.”