CLM Clothing & Textile, a South African social enterprise specializing in bulk cloth manufacturing and training development

Creseldah Cassandra Ndlovu is the founder and director of CLM Clothing and Textile in South Africa, a social enterprise that specializes in bulk cloth manufacturing and training development. The business was started in 2016 and legally registered in 2020, and today employs 21 people. In addition to the production site, the business also has a training and development site, where accredited sewing training development skills programs are delivered. Creseldah is a passionate Community builder, Philanthropist and Innovative Social Entrepreneur. She is a multi-award winner both locally and internationally and was recently recognised with an Empowerment Award of the Year by the African Women Innovation and Entrepreneur Forum.

With a vision rooted in social impact, Creseldah is also a founder of CefPads the social enterprise that manufactures washable and reusable sanitary towels. Since its inception in 2016, the business has manufactured and distributed over 15,000 products, locally in Zimbabwe and Mozambique. The enterprise follows a Circular Economy model by recycling waste fabrics for the creation of new, reusable products.

Lioness Weekender spoke to the impact-driven Creseldah Cassandra Ndlovu about her entrepreneurial journey to date, and her vision for the future.

What does your company do?

At its core, CLM is dedicated to empowering communities through innovative and purpose-driven solutions. We are making a positive and lasting impact. We specialize in Bulk Cloth Manufacturing and Training Development, accredited with FP&MSeta.

What inspired you to start your company?

I actually found my niche, as I have been into charity work for over two decades and recently introduced this concept of teaching a man how to fish. So, I am doing business while doing good. This is actually a dream coming into reality. All i wanted was to be the help I once needed as a child by contributing to both community and economic development.

What makes your business, service or product special?

What sets my business apart is its unwavering commitment to creating social impact alongside delivering quality and innovation. Everything we do at CLM Clothing and Textiles, and through my various initiatives, is driven by a passion for empowering people and solving real-world challenges. This is a Purpose-Driven Mission. The enterprise isn’t just about making profits—it’s about making a difference. My business is deeply rooted in community building. Beyond providing products, we offer employment opportunities, skills training, and mentorship to uplift those in need. For example: through our accredited Fashion Academy we train aspiring designers, equipping them with skills for a sustainable livelihood. At CLM every piece of cloth we produce tells a story of resilience and empowerment. Our concept contributes more to women’s empowerment by creating opportunities for them, by first preparing them through training. We transfer sewing skills and mentor them to become fashion-preneurs and create jobs too.

Tell us a little about your team

Behind every successful venture is a dedicated and passionate team, and I am blessed to work alongside individuals who share my vision for creating lasting impact. My team is not just a group of employees or collaborators—they are my partners in driving change and innovation. What makes it more exciting is that all our team members are trained in-house, this is what makes them unique. They are from local communities and they came to us with ZERO sewing skills. We trained them and gave them opportunities. We have youth and women who were unemployed, but today some are employed in-house, and some own small businesses.

Share a little about your entrepreneurial journey. And, do you come from an entrepreneurial background?

I am a passionate innovative social entrepreneur, philanthropist, and community builder. My entrepreneurial journey spans over two decades, deeply rooted in the desire to uplift and empower others, particularly the most vulnerable in society.

After over a decade doing charity work, I have introduced a concept of teaching a man how to fish, by transferring Sewing Skills to local youth and women. This venture not only provides employment opportunities within my community but also makes quality, affordable school uniforms accessible to families in need. We are also a nearby Game Reserves Uniforms supplier. Today, this initiative has evolved into CLM Clothing and Textiles, a brand that aligns my entrepreneurial spirit with my vision for sustainable and impactful community development.

Over the years, my work has expanded to address various social challenges, including menstrual hygiene and education. Through innovative solutions such as washable and reusable sanitary pads, I’ve tackled issues that hinder girls' education, empowering them to remain in school and achieve their potential. In addition to my ventures, I am proud to run an accredited academy where I train aspiring fashion designers, sharing my 15 years of expertise and proving that one doesn’t need a formal qualification to succeed in this industry.

What are your future plans and aspirations for your company?

My entrepreneurial journey has always been about creating meaningful impact, and as I look to the future, my aspirations are focused on scaling my initiatives to uplift even more lives. We currently supply several 5-Star guest lodges around Timbavati and Kruger National Park. My vision for CLM Clothing and Textiles is to grow it into a national and eventually international brand, renowned for its quality, affordability, and social impact. By establishing a robust manufacturing operation, I aim to create more jobs within my community and offer opportunities for skill development in the textiles industry. Ultimately, my goal is to leave a legacy of resilience, innovation, and compassion. I want future generations to look back and see that one person’s efforts can ignite significant change.

What gives you the most satisfaction being an entrepreneur?

As an Innovative social entrepreneur and community builder at heart, the most rewarding part of my journey is knowing that my work creates a positive and lasting impact on people’s lives.

Empowering others: Seeing individuals thrive because of the opportunities I’ve helped create is deeply gratifying. Whether it’s through providing jobs, training aspiring fashion designers at my academy, or supporting young girls with access to reusable sanitary pads, I feel immense joy knowing I’ve played a role in someone’s success.

Watching dreams come true and creating a legacy of hope and above everything blending passion with purpose. I’m not just building businesses—I’m building a legacy. Knowing that my work will continue to benefit communities and future generations gives me a deep sense of purpose and satisfaction. I am satisfied as I have found my niche. I am doing business while doing good. Knowing that my journey inspires others—especially women and youth—fills me with humbleness. When people look at what I’ve achieved and believe that they, too, can overcome challenges and succeed, it motivates me to keep going.

What's the biggest piece of advice you can give to other women looking to start-up?

I would say follow your passion and turn it into purpose, it will become your business. Embrace resilience, learn continuously, and always surround yourself with supportive circles.

To find out more, send an email to: clmclothingtextile@gmail.com or visit the company website and social media channels:

Website: http://www.clmacademy.co.za

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CLM-Clothing-Textile-113639763696790/