Sincengile Ntshingila may confess to having a thing for handbags, shoes and retail therapy. But it’s not the reason why she says she’s well qualified to be the new managing director of the KZN Fashion Council.

Rather, it’s her background in economics that is essential. She believes vision and implementation is what it will take to make sure the council can harness the talent and potential of the province’s designers and to start helping designers find platforms and networks to turn creative expression into thriving businesses. In turn, this will benefit the provincial economy.

Sincengile started her student career with a BSc in Health Sciences from the University of Swaziland. Her initial idea was that it would be a degree to set her on the path to study either medicine or veterinary science. However, when she pursued an MSc in Agriculture and Economics at UP in 2001, she realised she was more interested in economics.

It set her on a career course to eventually take up positions in the Department of Rural Development and Land Reform and later at the KZN Department of Economic Development. Towards the end of last year she was appointed as MD of the KZN Fashion Council.

‘The thing about economics is that it’s about strategy and direction and it can be applied to whatever situation or institution,’ says Sincengile.

She says that what is exciting about her new role is working with the wealth of talent and creative energy in the province.

Sincengile also speaks openly about her personal challenges, like overcoming a difficult divorce, being a single mom and recovering from enormous financial setbacks.

‘I am open about my personal challenges and choosing to share openly has been very healing for me. I believe it helps others to relate to me and me to relate to them.

‘In my role now I hear from quite a few fashion designers who think they can’t overcome whatever barriers or challenges they’re facing, but I know from my own experience that challenges in life aren’t meant to destroy you,’ she says.

This single mom of two boys loves to spend time cycling, jogging and holidaying at bush getaways with her children – precious times and her ‘personal tranquilisers’ that help keep her life in balance.