One of the leading homegrown clothing labels, Odipeca will be launched officially on May 3 at Gaborone Dam.

Well-known South African musician Thebe, alongside local starts Vee, Mapetla, Captain Dira supported by DJs Owen, Sly, Trax, Stanza and O'Neal are billed to perform at the event. Clement Maplanka, the sales and marketing manager of Odipeca said that a new line, Woodpeckers will be introduced during the launch.

"People often wonder what Odipeca means and to answer that we have come up with the new line, Woodpeckers from which the word Odipeca is derived. The Woodpecker line is suitable for all ages and will include both formal and casual wear," explained Maplanka.

The existing products in the label are Odipeca Collection and Punk, which have been well-received in the country.

These have made Odipeca a darling among fashion lovers. So far it produces golf shirts, track tops, cargo pants, t-shirts and formal shirts. Although, the fashion industry is becoming saturated in Botswana with so many labels coming up, one of Odipeca directors, Alfons Naane says they are growing in strides.

"We know that there is competition out there but so far we have not felt any negative effects," asserts Naane.

Some of Odipeca's competitors in the fashion world include All Kasi, PODI, Acapella Kandi, Noir Man and Bafwe2.

Founded by Alfons Naane and Lesley Motsage in 2006, Odipeca has grown remarkably. It currently employs over 45 people. Its directorship has grown to include two others, Oteng Mosoma and Walter Motsage. Apart from its factory in Boatle, the label has got two boutiques, one in Lobatse and another one in Mogoditshane.

The clothing company supplies a number of shops in the country including Big & Small (Gaborone), Toni's Craft Shop (Mahalapye) R&J Boutique (Selebi-Phikwe), Body Affairs (Serowe) as car boot sellers. Although it has taken the fashion world in Botswana by storm, Odipeca has not yet penetrated the international market. One of the challenges facing the directors is that many clothing shops from South Africa refuse to stock their products. Odipeca products have been used by among others Vee, T.H.A.B.O., Mapetla, Exodus and the presenters of Botswana Television's youth magazine show, Silent Shout.