About Us
Cossen is a handcrafted footwear studio based in Gauteng, founded by Nelisiwe. We design and make small-batch sandals, mules, and loafers that blend modern silhouettes with African-inspired patterns (like IsiNdebele and Ankara), prioritising comfort, durability, and responsible sourcing. Beyond beautiful shoes, we run hands-on shoemaking workshops to teach practical skills, create local jobs, and reduce waste by favouring repairable, long-lasting production—so every pair tells a story of craft, community, and sustainability.
Our Services
We are a handcrafted footwear brand grounded in quality, creativity, and intentional design. Each pair of shoes is thoughtfully made using carefully selected materials and refined techniques, resulting in durable, well-crafted products that balance function and aesthetic. Alongside our footwear offering, the brand is committed to sharing knowledge, fostering creativity, and contributing to the growth of local craftsmanship.
Our work extends beyond making shoes. Through practical learning experiences and business-focused support, we create pathways for individuals to develop skills, explore their creativity, and build sustainable opportunities within the footwear and fashion space.
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Our Achievements
Cossen has been recognised as a Top 3 township business in Ekurhuleni at the Standard Bank Township Businesses Programme—an honour that affirmed our commitment to local manufacturing, skills development, and sustainable design. Our founder has since obtained a formal qualification in clothing manufacturing, strengthening our technical expertise and production standards. We also proudly opened a physical store at Daveyton Mall, creating a space where customers could experience our handcrafted footwear and workshops firsthand. Each milestone reflects our journey of growth, resilience, and dedication to building an African-inspired brand rooted in excellence and community impact.
Our Impact
Our work goes beyond creating footwear. We are committed to building a more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable future through craftsmanship, skills development, and community-focused initiatives. By aligning with global development goals, we aim to create opportunities, support livelihoods, and contribute to meaningful social impact.
Testimonies
Stories from individuals who have engaged with our craft, our workshops, and our approach to building meaningful work.
Our Staff
Nelisiwe Cossa
Founder & Creative Director
Nelisiwe Cossa is the founder and creative director of Cossen, a South African handmade footwear brand rooted in African heritage, sustainability, and community empowerment. With a background in design, entrepreneurship, and manufacturing, she started Cossen to challenge fast fashion by building a slower, more ethical footwear system that creates local jobs, transfers skills, and restores dignity to craftsmanship.
Driven by purpose beyond profit, Nelisiwe is passionate about youth development, circular production models, and building a fashion ecosystem that connects creativity, culture, and conscious living. Through Cossen, she is laying the foundation for a future where African-made products compete globally — without compromising people, planet, or identity.
Zamokuhle Zondo
Artisan
At the heart of Cossen is craftsmanship — and at the center of that craftsmanship is Zamokuhle Zondo.
Zamokuhle joined Cossen in November 2024 and has since become a vital part of our journey in building a proudly African, handmade luxury brand.
As our lead artisan, he is responsible for the creation of every pair of shoes — from cutting and stitching to finishing each product with precision and care. His work reflects not only skill, but dedication to quality and pride in craftsmanship.
Beyond production, Zamokuhle also plays an important role in transferring skills and training the next generation of artisans, contributing to our mission of reclaiming the township economy through knowledge, empowerment, and opportunity.
Our Gallery
Step into the world of Cossen — where craftsmanship meets culture.
From our handcrafted footwear to moments in the workshop and store, each image reflects our journey of creativity, purpose, and community
