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Mwamba Kasonde

Self Employed

Kasmel Traverse Enterprises Limited

Kasonde Mwamba – Founder & Managing Director, Kasmel Traverse Enterprises Limited Kasonde Mwamba is the visionary Founder and Managing Director of Kasmel Traverse Enterprises Limited, a Zambia-based leather products manufacturing company committed to transforming Africa’s leather value chain through quality craftsmanship, local processing, and sustainable growth. Under Kasonde’s leadership, Kasmel Traverse has established itself as a manufacturer of premium leather goods while driving forward a strategic expansion into in-house leather processing and rubber soles manufacturing. This vertical integration is designed to increase local value retention, reduce reliance on imported inputs, and create skilled jobs within Zambia’s manufacturing sector. Kasonde’s vision extends beyond production: he is building a brand that celebrates African heritage, supports livelihoods across the supply chain, and positions Zambian-made leather on regional and export markets. This is reflected in Kasmel’s design ethos, exemplified in the company’s _“Fashion That Tells a Story”_ costume concept inspired by the *Basanje Clan* of Monze District, Southern Zambia. The concept draws on the clan’s identity as cattle herders and hunters, using materials such as *cowhide, barkcloth, and black fabric* to symbolize wealth, strength, ancestry, and authority. Symbols of the buffalo and cattle — representing protection, power, and identity — inform the textures and materials used, connecting contemporary leather craftsmanship to living cultural heritage. Through Kasmel Traverse Enterprises Limited, Kasonde Mwamba is demonstrating how African SMEs can lead in manufacturing innovation, economic impact, and the promotion of real leather as a durable, sustainable material that carries cultural meaning.

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FASHION THAT TELLS A STORY

Category: Apparel

Competitions: Africa

KASMEL Fashion That Tells a Story! COSTUME DESIGNING CONCEPT THE BASANJE CLAN These are the Lundwe-speaking clans under Senior Chief Hamusonde in Monze District, Southern Zambia. - The Basanje Clan are custodians of the royal shrines around the Lwanza River. - Their identity is tied to cattle and hunting, and the buffalo and cattle are the main symbols of the clan, representing the people as cattle herders and hunters. COSTUME CONCEPT DESIGN His Royal Highness Senior Chief Hamusonde’s costume was crafted from black fabric and cowhide. The design draws on the buffalo and cattle – the main symbols of the Basanje Clan – representing the people’s identity as cattle herders and hunters in Monze, Southern Zambia. In the picture, His Royal Highness Senior Chief Hamusonde is seated with his two guards standing beside him, all wearing costumes made from natural barkcloth. _Barkcloth_ is an ancient material made from the bark of a tree. It can refer either to the traditional non-woven fabric used across Africa, or to a heavily textured woven cotton textile popular in mid-century home décor. In cultural contexts, it is used worldwide during ceremonies, weddings, festivals, funerals, and other occasions to symbolize heritage and identity. GUARD COSTUME - HEADGEAR: Traditional hat with cowhide accents - BEADS: Symbol of protection, strength and unity - BARKCLOTH: Wrap and apron made from natural barkcloth - SPEAR: Weapon of protection and symbol of warrior spirit CHIEF’S COSTUME DETAILS: - HEADDRESS: Cowhide with beaded detailing - NECKLACE: Multi-strand beads symbolizing leadership and ancestry - CAPE: Flowing black fabric for dignity and authority - STAFF: Symbol of leadership and connection to ancestors - COWHIDE PANEL: Represents cattle – the essence of Basanje identity MATERIALS & TEXTURES: - BLACK FABRIC: Authority, power and solemnity - COWHIDE: Represents cattle, wealth and identity - BARKCLOTH: Natural, earthy and symbolic of heritage - BEADS: Connection to ancestors and unity SYMBOL LEGEND: - BUFFALO: Strength | Protection | Power - CATTLE: Wealth | Sustenance | Identity - HUNTING: Courage | Skill | Survival - LWANZA RIVER: Life | Ancestry | Spirituality > “WE ARE THE PEOPLE OF THE CATTLE, THE HUNTERS, THE KEEPERS OF THE SHRINES.” > –BASANJE CLAN

In association with Arts Thread

Working with our partners at Arts Thread to develop lifelong learning and career opportunities for students of fashion and design. Our partnership provides the opportunity to compete on a world stage, participate in industry led workshops, set up an outstanding portfolio and gain access to the resources that will kickstart careers in fashion and design.