By Noko Mashilo
With a passion for millinery deeply inspired by memories of her late grandmother who believed no outfit was complete without a hat, Motshidisi Malema has become a talented hat maker. From an early age, she was captivated by the elegance and significance of the hats her grandmother, Flora Serutle, wore. They ranged from simple, classic designs to bold, statement pieces. “My grandmother always said a woman is complete with a hat, and no matter where you’re going, you should wear it with pride. A hat must always do the talking. She passed away at 102 years old, still wearing her hats,” Motshidisi shared with Vutivi News.
Today, as a milliner, she channels this love into her work, creating exquisite, custom-designed hats that blend traditional techniques with modern flair. Her company, Freemo Hat Design, based in Amandasig, north of Pretoria, is a tribute to her grandmother’s timeless style. It offers a wide range of women’s hats, each with a unique style and purpose. Among them are fascinators for formal events like weddings and horse races, cloche hats inspired by the 1920s, wide-brimmed hats for sun protection in summer, and fedoras with their iconic creased crowns and wide brims.
Each hat exudes its own personality and flair, suited for both casual and formal occasions. They range from R280 to R1250, depending on the size and embellishments. “I prefer materials like sinamay, crushed sinamay, satin, silk, tulle, crinoline, flowers, headbands, various feathers, millinery wire, beads and many other fabrics,” she explained.
She is also a member of a Facebook milliner social group, which helps her stay connected with the craft. She honed her skills in 2019 at the South African School of Hat Making under Yuanita du Toit, after spending two years unemployed. “My friend, Mantsho Mahlabegwane, encouraged me to do the course and even paid for me,” said Motshidisi, who previously worked as a human resources director for over 25 years.
To boost her sales, Motshidisi ensures she wears a new hat to every event and keeps additional hats in her car. “Whether it’s a wedding, unveiling or funeral, I’m willing to design one overnight for the occasion. If someone wants it, I sell it on the spot,” said Motshidisi, who shares her catalogue via WhatsApp.
