MAAK 'N PLAN

Before he was Dr. Phokeng Setai, curator at Zeitz MOCAA and a leading voice in contemporary African thought, he was a boy in Bloemfontein with two dreams: score goals on the football pitch, or reach the absolute summit of education.

Born to a mother who dedicated her life to teaching and a father who navigated market research as a true journeyman, Phokeng grew up in the quiet shadow of a heavy legacy. On both sides of his family were MK soldiers—men and women who lived in exile and paid the price for freedom.

While the pitch called to him early on, it was books that shifted everything. Reading didn’t just change his perspective; it unlocked an entirely new way of understanding history, human stories, and the world around him. Fast forward to today: holding a PhD in Anthropology, he’s honoring where he comes from while shaping where visual culture is going.

On this episode of Maak 'n Plan, we sit down with @phokeng_setai to talk about family lineage, the power of print, and how deep human curiosity turns into a lifelong blueprint.

In this episode of Maak ’n Plan, host Bathandwa Ngwendu sits down with designer and illustrator Koos, one half of the creative studio jana+koos.

Together, they explore Koos’s journey from growing up in Pretoria with creative, supportive parents to navigating the grind of being an overworked advertising junior with big dreams and the pivotal moment meeting Jana changed the trajectory of his creative life.

Recorded live at the Bofred showroom in Cape Town. Powered by A1.

Conversations in Comfort | Episode 03 with Alex ZonoIn this episode of Conversations in Comfort, we sit down with creative director and founder Alex Zono (@alexzono) to talk through his journey across fashion, travel, running, and building a brand. We dive into how global influences feed his style, how running gives him room to clear his head, and what it actually takes to craft an authentic identity in design today.

Conversations in Comfort | Episode 02:
We sat down with contemporary artist and maker Dada Khanyisa (@dada_khanyisa) to explore the profound meaning of home and the intricate realities of documenting daily life as young people in South Africa today. From the tactile, real-life stories carved into their work to the quiet, soulful discipline required to shape your own organic lane, this conversation dives deep into our collective experience.
- Watch the full episode: Thursday at 3:00 PM on Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube- In collaboration with: @asics_sportstyle_za @maaknplan
Illustration’s & titles by @flyingduckdesignFilmed by @ruffkuttfilms
Special thanks to @patina.house94 for allowing us to film in their new space.#ConversationsInComfort #maaknplan #SoundMindSoundBody

Welcome to Episode 01 of Conversations in Comfort, a collaborative series by Maak ’n Plan and ASICS. In this inaugural episode, we sit down with Masego Morgan, a visionary voice in sustainable fashion, heritage preservation, and conscious living. True comfort extends far beyond physical apparel; it lies in how grounded and authentic we feel in our daily lives. Together, we explore what it means to slow down, navigate the transformative journey of motherhood, and celebrate the essential village that supports us along the way.

We begin a new season of Maak ’n Plan by celebrating 10 years of Lukhanyo Mdingi.

I had the honour of sitting down with Lukhanyo to reflect on his journey of becoming, and to explore what legacy looks like — both for him and for the label.

Here’s a window into the heart of a timeless sensibility. ✨

Alain was introduced to me as the guy who could turn the wildest ideas into real-life magic. He swears his career path was a coincidence—but the way he’s shaped experiences, festivals, and unforgettable moments feels anything but accidental.

From founding Beanstalk (aka the engine behind countless iconic events), to co-piloting Cotton Fest with Riky Rick, Alain’s fingerprints are all over the cultural map. His curiosity is his compass, and somehow, it keeps taking him to the most unexpected and brilliant places.

Here’s a little glimpse into the human behind the magic.

"A country without documentary films is like a family without a photo album."

This quote by Patricio Guzmán, the Chilean filmmaker, is one that always resonates with me—especially in conversations with Jack. Jack and I have always shared a deep devotion to South African documentaries and the way they captured the pulse of Mzansi in the ’80s and ’90s.

That same spirit is a driving force behind Jack’s work. His writing and films offer a window into the vibrant melting pot of Johannesburg, South Africa—woven together with fashion, music, humor, and narrative.

“The Mayor’s Grandson…”—the title of a documentary I dream of making about my dear friend, Jack Markovitz. It’s a running joke between us, something we talk about every time we see each other.

But first, here’s an introduction to the human behind the story.

The sacrifices our parents make in raising us are often not fully understood until we grow older or become parents ourselves. The way our parents shape our perspectives as children deeply influences how we perceive the world as adults.

As young people, there is so much we can learn from the older generation. But, equally, older folk have much to gain from the wisdom of the younger.

Muzi, a man who deeply reveres his father—an entrepreneur—shares his personal journey through entrepreneurship and fatherhood, shedding light on the timeless principles passed down by his dad. Growing up in Soweto, Muzi never could have imagined that selling billboards would become a career. It all began with one simple wall mural.

Those who have embarked on the entrepreneurial journey will tell you — being an entrepreneur is a rollercoaster ride of exhilarating highs and challenging lows.

Many entrepreneurs will also tell you that, when stepping into the world of business, it’s crucial to learn how to protect your heart. Running a business often means making decisions that are right for the company, even when they don’t align with your emotions. While entrepreneurs are certainly not emotionless, they know when to step back and recognize when it’s time to move on.

Vicky Ross, a seasoned entrepreneur with a rich background in retail, property, and the creative industry, shares her journey. Her extensive experience has opened doors for her to contribute her expertise to a variety of successful ventures.

A true Joburger at heart, Vicky was raised by an accountant father and a creative mother, and she reflects on how this unique upbringing has shaped her understanding of people, business, and culture.