By Noko Mashilo
Ike Lekgoro, the skilled cordwainer behind Tlotlego Legendcraft, has a unique and deeply personal connection to shoemaking. His journey into the craft was shaped by an early experience with his father’s annual shoe purchases, which, though durable, lacked style and left him frustrated. “I wanted shoes that truly reflected my identity. Every year, my father would buy the same uninspiring design and colour, and my cousin would tease me for it,” explained the 38-year-old from Ga-Ntshabeleng in Sekhukhune, Limpopo.
Today, through Tlotlego Legendcraft — named in honour of his son, who passed away in 2016 at one-month-old due to a heart condition — Lekgoro creates shoes that tell a story. His shoes are crafted with care, creativity, and a deep respect for the cultural heritage of footwear, combining both durability and artistry.
Lekgoro shared that the company now focused on casual and running sneakers, first introduced in 2022. “Our main products are now sneakers, as we no longer make formal shoes,” said Lekgoro, who was inspired by master shoemaker Paul Packman. The sneakers showcase exceptional craftsmanship, blending pure leather with high-quality fabric for durability. “Each pair costs between R1,600 and R2,500, with attention to detail evident in the fine stitching and premium materials, making each pair a unique work of art,” he said.
His factory is based in Edenvale, Johannesburg. Lekgoro explained that creating each pair of shoes involved multiple stages. “The process includes designing, cutting materials, closing, assembling, resoling, stitching and finishing, varying by design and size,” he noted. Despite the attention to details, Lekgoro faces challenges in building belief in his brand. “Growing the brand requires consistent investment and resources, and handcrafting shoes takes significant time, which can delay production. Additionally, our market still prefers to visit physical stores to try on sneakers and feel the materials before purchasing,” he explained.
Recently, Lekgoro returned from a 21-day training programme in China, organised by China Aid, where he learned about clothing and textiles. He appealed to the government for support to help local brands like his grow, thrive and eventually expand to international markets.
