Made In SA October 2022

Roof paint that offers

ROOF PAINT AND WATERPROOFER WITH A 10 YEAR GUARANTEE

APEO’s are Alkylphenol Ethoxylates that are widely used in paints as emulsifying and dispersing agents. Sadly, they have potent endocrine hormone disruption effects on male fish, reducing their ability to engage in reproduction resulting in a significant reduction in fish and marine populations. APEO’s have been banned in the EU and many countries. Plascon now produces the first APEO-free paints.

As part of Plascon’s green initiative, Plascon installed water harvesting tanks, waterproofed and painted the roof of Kudube Primary in Hammanskraal. “Hammanskraal is severely impacted by water shortages which impact the running of the school. This will ensure that we have more time with the kids at school in a safe and hygienic environment” Mrs Mapula Llale, Principal Kudube Primary.

For more information get in touch with us on 0860 20 40 60 or www.plascon.com

Kansai Plascon (Pty) Ltd. 2018. All rights reserved. No part of this work may in any form or by any means be reproduced without the prior written permission of the copyright owner. Plascon is the registered trademark of Kansai Plascon (Pty) Ltd.

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EDITORIAL

Editor: Anthony Sharpe

Content Manager: Raina Julies rainaj@picasso.co.za

Contributors: Maryna Calow, Thandie Dowery, Mart-Marié du Toit, Pete and Monique Ethelson, Bridgit Evans, Daniela Martins, Denise Mhlanga, Anna Trapido, Rodney Weidemann, Mandisa Zitha

Copy Editor: Brenda Bryden

Content Co-ordinator: Vanessa Payne

Digital Editor: Stacey Visser vissers@businessmediamags.co.za

DESIGN

Head of Design: Jayne Macé-Ferguson

Senior Designer: Mfundo Archie Ndzo Advert Designer: Bulelwa Sotashe Cover Image: Plascon

SALES

Project Manager: Gavin Payne GavinP@picasso.co.za | +27 21 469 2477 +27 74 031 9774

Sales: Brian McKelvie

PRODUCTION

Production Editor: Shamiela Brenner Ad Co-ordinator: Johan Labuschagne

Subscriptions and Distribution: Fatima Dramat, fatimad@picasso.co.za Printing: CTP Printers, Cape Town

MANAGEMENT

COPYRIGHT: Picasso Headline. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent of the publisher. The publisher is not responsible for unsolicited material. Made in SA is published by Picasso Headline. The opinions expressed are not necessarily those of Picasso Headline. All advertisements/advertorials and promotions have been paid for and therefore do not carry any endorsement by the publisher.

CELEBRATING THE VERY BEST IN LOCAL

Every year, it seems circumstance, unscrupulous actors and the legacy of our divided past conspire to test our notion of what it means to be proudly South African.

And yet, amid these challenges, there are innovators, artists, artisans, businesses, chefs, designers, and organisations doing incredible things. In this issue of Made in SA, we celebrate these.

On page 25, a luxury furniture brand explains how and why it is harnessing the country’s colossal talent to produce unique locally made furniture rather than importing. We meet the businesswoman who came up with her baby bag brand idea while travelling abroad, see page 35.

CONTENTS

When it comes to fashion, “local is lekker” is slowly giving way to the idea that “local is premium”, as we find out on page 29, while the rest of the world is waking up to the same truth about our wines (page 11). Page 15 profiles a range of cross-cultural epicurean specialities, after which you’ll no doubt be itching for a healthy cup of rooibos espresso (page 13).

Innovation meets a social problem as we profile the prefabricated possibilities for housing on page 21.

South Africa continues to birth and nurture products, ideas and initiatives that are making waves locally and abroad and competing with the world’s finest. By supporting these, we can all contribute towards building a country of which we are truly proud.

Anthony Sharpe

7 TRAVEL

Explore these off-the-beaten-track holiday destinations with recommendations on what to eat and where to stop along the way.

11 THOUGHT LEADERSHIP – WINE

Despite a host of challenges, South Africa’s winemakers are making their mark on the international scene.

13 THOUGHT LEADERSHIP – ROOIBOS ESPRESSO

An offhanded experiment led one local couple to create an international cafe phenomenon.

15 FOOD

Exploring how similar ingredients are treated across our myriad culinary cultures.

16 THOUGHT LEADERSHIP – INNOVATION

The SAB Foundation Social Innovation and Disability Empowerment Awards are bringing about scale, job creation and sustainable social change.

21 HOUSING

Could prefabricated buildings present a time- and cost-effective solution to South Africa’s housing problem?

25 THOUGHT LEADERSHIP – FURNITURE

South Africa has a proud history of furniture manufacturing, one that’s being revived by local businesses making premium pieces.

27 THOUGHT LEADERSHIP – FILM

A sneak peek at the local fi lms wowing viewers at this year’s Encounters South African International Documentary Festival.

29 FASHION

Homegrown fashion is fast becoming more desirable than imported alternatives. We look at the brands making waves on the local scene.

33 JEWELLERY

A local designer shares her journey from a market in Langa to the wrists of fashion fundis everywhere.

35 BABY PRODUCTS

How one aspiring businesswoman took inspiration from a trip abroad to create her range of baby bags and accessories.

EXPRESS LANES

WHY STOP TO PAY YOUR TOLLS?

Paying toll fees on the TRAC N4 Route has never been easier with Express Lanes now operational at all TRAC mainline plazas in South Africa! Express Lanes are dedicated, electronic, tag-only lanes, that allow road users with registered electronic tags to pay their toll fees while driving

reathe new life into your home with Plascon’s array of locally produced coatings for interior and exterior use. Plascon offers a wide range of luxurious finishes inspired by the textures and tones of nature. With more than 1 000 colour tints from which to choose, there is ample opportunity to turn inspiration into the realisation of bespoke space within your home.

Plascon has been a leading South African coatings manufacturer for over 130 years because of its ability to adapt and reinvent itself as needed. Using cutting-edge technology, Plascon has played a role in revolutionising the paint industry while retaining its focus on people and purpose. With innovations such as Double Velvet Pure, which actively cleans the air you breathe, and its water-based, zero-VOC coatings, Plascon can elevate your style and aesthetic while taking care of your wellbeing and the environment. It’s more than just a paint.

WE SUPPLY:

Natural Tartaric Acid (L+)

Natural Cream of Tartar

Grape Seed Extract

Grape Seed Oil

our products are sold in bulk

Brenn-O-Kem (Pty) Ltd specializes in transforming winery by products, such as skins, seeds and lees, into value-added natural products which are used in the wine industry, pharmaceutical industry, bakery and other markets.

Brenn-O-Kem (Pty) Ltd was established in 1968 and has proven track record for being a reliable and trustworthy supplier. Our products are manufactured to international standards. The most unique feature of our products is that they are all manufactured from natural raw materials.

THINK DIFFERENT

LOVE A LITTLE LOCAL

HOW TO GET T H ERE

The roads between Ficksburg and Rosendal and Senekal and Rosendal are in terrible shape, so factor in extra travel time to navigate the potholes after you turn off the R26 or the N5.

By MART-MARIÉ DU TOIT

LITTLE TOWN, BIG IMPACT

If you’re looking for the perfect small-town vibe, head to the eastern Free State to explore the charms of Rosendal. The town, on the edge of the Witteberge, lies at the foothills of the Maluti mountains. “Picturesque” is merely one of the adjectives that spring to mind when you arrive. You’ll find donkeys lazily walking by while you enjoy a late afternoon tipple at the Service Station Wine Bar, the friendliest faces serving all sorts of waffles at Benjamin’s, and beautiful sandstone houses.

A long weekend is enough time to see everything the stofstrate of the dorp can offer, but if you stay a week (or more), you’ll start to realise why people come here to recharge. Mornings spent hiking or mountain biking morph into afternoons lazily sipping wine in the hot tub at The Rosendal Country Retreat. And a good jol until the early hours at Yolla’s turns into a leisurely morning before heading out to explore the stunning curated collections at ark Contemporary and other art galleries around town. You’ll also want to experience sunset at the holkrans (hollow cave) just outside town – a highlight with breathtaking views. Rosendal is quiet but with an exciting vibe that sizzles on the surface.

ALMOST EUROPEAN

Magoebaskloof, also known as “The Land of the Silver Mist”, is a place you’ll return to time and again to check if the lush Afromontane forests are still as beautiful as on your last visit.

The tiny village of Haenertsburg will remind you of a Swiss village without the snow. The backdrop of the Wolkberg inspires your daily ritual of rest, get coffee, rest again, admire your surroundings and head out on an adventure.

The indigenous forest is thick and tangled, spliced by crystal-clear streams flowing through rock pools. It is home to Woodbush State Forest, the largest indigenous forest in Limpopo province, hosting popular birding, hiking and mountain-biking routes.

Haenertsburg is not your typical summer destination. The European-type climate ensures rain and mist, but the temperatures

can soar without warning, so be prepared. Locals live in a time warp with safe, quiet streets where kids kick soccer balls and little old ladies walk alone, even at night. All the businesses in the main street – Haenertsburg’s small (and only) business district – are owned by locals, and there are no traffic lights or traffic in town.

If you’re driving the R26 from Ficksburg or Fouriesburg, stop at Ionia Cherry Farm for fresh cherries and cherry picking. There’s a fabulous menu and a lawn for kids who need to run around after hours in the car. If you’re coming along the N1 North, stop in Bloemfontein and head straight to Westdene, where you’ll nd Koekela Huiskafee. Have a tasty burger and order a box lled with delightful eats and treats for padkos. Then buy some of the famous geelvet biltong at Bester Butchery in Langenhoven Park – it’s an experience!

E AT AND DRINK T H IS

The fabulous bobotie waf e at Benjamin’s and a glass of Canadian whisky at the Service Station Wine Bar. The wine bar has the most extensive collection of Canadian whiskies in South Africa on its menu.

D O T H IS

Rent a mountain bike from the Rosendal Outdoor Hub (located at the creative hub, De Kleijne Dal) and explore the scenery of a spectacular part of the Eastern Free State.

S TAY H ERE

You can’t go wrong with any of the quirky offerings in town, but the luxurious self-catering rooms at The Rosendal Country Retreat always get our vote.

WATC H T H E WEAT H ER

December days are balmy to scorching, with nights cooling down so you can retire comfortably.

LEARN MORE rosendaltown.co.za

Haenertsburg

Can’t afford an international holiday? No problem! Mzansi has a variety of stunning destinations that will assuage your wanderlust.

The Rosendal surrounds

Sunrise in Haenertsburg main street

Rosendal Country Retreat

Rosendal town

HOW TO GET T H ERE

Magoebaskloof is an easy four-hour drive from Johannesburg. Leave early to be in time for a spectacular lunch once in town. Stop on the way at Peet se Padstal in Bela Bela, famous for its oversized homemade bread and lekker breakfasts.

E AT AND DRINK T H IS

Warm scones and freshly brewed coffee at Cheerio Café at Cheerio Gardens, a tranquil spot next to the river. There’s a tasty selection of seasonal beers at Zwakala Brewery.

D O T H IS

Canopy tours, tubing and abseiling at Magoebaskloof Adventures. And if you like your feet on the ground, book a guided hike with Sandi at The Mountain Company.

S TAY H ERE

Africamps’ Magoebaskloof tents overlook the mesmerising landscape.

WATC H T H E WEAT H ER

The humidity in December is high, and there can be between 10 and 15 days of rain. As a result, average daytime temperatures can reach the low 30s, and nights can stay high, between 17 and 20°C.

LEARN MORE

magoebasklooftourism.co.za

GO FAR!

The Isimangaliso Wetland Park ticks all the boxes: isolated beaches, the Big Five, scenic wetlands, and epic overnight spots. No wonder it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Head to the Western Shores for a day of wildlife sightings – each self-drive loop takes about three hours – and don’t miss birdwatching at Charters Creek.

The Eastern is a magical coastal area

– you can stay in wooden huts and watch the whales, turtles and dolphins from the shore. False Bay is home to one of the richest remaining sand forests in the country and has a diverse number of ecosystems. On the walking trails, you’ll find Nile crocodiles, pink-backed pelicans and African broadbills.

If you have a 4x4, take the road to Kosi Bay. The 18km stretch borders Mozambique, and you’ll find secluded beaches, mangrove swamps, and forests. The white sand beaches are a breeding ground for the endangered leatherback and loggerhead turtles.

Lake St Lucia is Africa’s largest estuarine system, and Lake Sibaya is the largest natural freshwater lake in Southern Africa. The large hippo population makes this the best spot for a sundowner (if you have a 4x4 that can ride up the shore).

If you’re travelling by 4x4 and make the trek to the Coastal Forest, we can almost guarantee that you’ll have the beaches, dune vistas, and premier diving sites to yourself, as this is the least visited area of the park.

HOW TO GET THERE

It is a seven-hour drive from Johannesburg via Mpumalanga and just over 10 hours from central South Africa (via the N3 and N2). If you live in Durban, you can easily squeeze in some of the fun over a weekend travelling via the N2. If travelling from central South Africa or Gauteng, your best bet is to take it easy and discover the Midlands Meander. We love staying at Fordoun Hotel and Spa’s Farm Village. Grab a coffee at Terbodore, see the gardens at Brahman Hills, buy cheese at Swissland, and experience the magic of Blueberry Café’s cheesecake. You can also take an hour or two to discover the scenes and sights at the Nelson Mandela Capture Site.

EAT AND DRINK THIS

A moreish burger at Hippo Café in St Lucia, and sh and chips at St Lucia Ski Boat Club, where you can also enjoy sundowners with a view.

DO THIS

Spot the Big Seven at Sodwana Bay, just a short drive from the Big 5 uMkhuze section of iSimangaliso. Snap some shots of humpback whales and whale sharks to join the lion, rhino, elephant, leopard and buffalo images on your memory card. Sodwana Bay is also one of the top 10 dive destinations in the world, so take your goggles!

STAY HERE

Make the most of your safari experience by staying in a fully equipped safari tent in the heart of uMkhuze in the unfenced Mantuma Camp.

WATCH THE WEATHER

You’ll nd the December weather hot, humid and wet. It isn’t cold, however, so you’ll only need a light rain jacket. Temperatures hover at 30°C, and summer is also the best time to catch a glimpse of nesting turtles and their hatchlings!

LEARN MORE isimangaliso.com

Tubing at Magoebaskloof Adventures

Isimangaliso

Midlands Brahman Hills Tyanderi

IMA G ES MID LAN DS, BR AHMAN H ILLS : E MIL Y & CHR IS A LLAN , P EPPE R MINT PIX AN D TY AN DER H AENE R TSBU RG: S AN DI L EI GH M OO RE, T HE M OUNTAIN C OMPAN Y, MAG

OEBASKLOOF : MAG OEBASKLOOF ADV ENTU R ES S UPPLIE D

Brandy and Cognac producer of the year

MADE RIGHT

VOLUMES EXPORTED TO THE UNITED STATES AND CANADA LAST YEAR ALSO INCREASED BY WELL OVER 100 PER CENT.

NO LONGER JUST CHEAP AND CHEERFUL

It is no secret that the South African wine industry suffered several blows during the pandemic when we were effectively banished into a state of prohibition by our government. To say that it had a massive impact on the industry is somewhat of an understatement.

The industry has faced several challenges. Rising costs are impacting our growers and producers, be it super-inflation on fuel or a shortage of bottles, with glass prices increasing by roughly 15 per cent year on year. The Russian/Ukrainian war has impacted the industry in many ways, especially regarding the cost of fertiliser imported from the region. And, the global shipping crisis led to reputational damage and lost sales.

Yes, the shipping issue isn’t unique to South Africa, but it has been exacerbated by equipment and staffing issues at the port of Cape Town leading to major shipping lines opting to bypass the port, leaving goods on the docks for weeks on end. We have heard that the Transnet National Ports Authority has a solid plan to rectify these issues, and progress is being made, but these things take time … and money.

BUDDING SEASON

But as the world recovers, what is happening within our country’s second-largest agricultural export market? As it turns out, a lot. The pandemic gave our producers space to re-evaluate how they do business and refocus

on their product, tasting rooms and overall offering. This is important as most of our producers are small to medium enterprises that rely heavily on wine tourism and sell more than half of their stock from their cellar-door facilities.

We’ve seen a huge uptick in online sales, which has been echoed across the globe.

Locally, consumers were initially sceptical about e-commerce platforms, but have been forced to turn to this style of shopping.

Internationally we’ve been very fortunate to have received a fair amount of focus, thanks to the likes of the #SaveSAWine and #SpectacularSouthAfrica campaigns, which highlighted our industry’s plight, drawing the support of wine drinkers from all corners of the globe.

SILVER LININGS

Other “silver linings” included opportunities created by the losses of others, for example, the trade war between China and Australia, which exported roughly 40 per cent of all their production to the Asian nation; a severe frost in large parts of Europe during the all-important

CONSUMERS, PARTICULARLY OVERSEAS, ARE TURNING TO SOUTH AFRICAN WINE AT HIGHER PRICE POINTS AND WE’RE STARTING TO MOVE AWAY FROM THAT “CHEAP AND CHEERFUL” CATEGORY AT LAST.

“budding” period of vine growth, leading to a shortage of white wine especially; and droughts in California. These all meant that the huge surplus of wine we had at the beginning of 2021 (about 600 million litres) had somewhere to go – and at decent prices too. In 2021, our exports to China grew by almost 200 per cent, though we have seen a slowdown in this market this year due to the various extreme lockdowns imposed by the Chinese government. Volumes exported to the United States and Canada last year also increased by well over 100 per cent. Even the more traditional markets, such as the United Kingdom and Europe, where our exports are usually a bit more flat, saw decent increases in value and volume.

One of the markets that excites me most is that of the African continent, which is exploding. From a Wines of South Africa perspective, our strategy has been that of education and constant engagement, and it’s certainly paying off, especially in Nigeria, Kenya, Tanzania, Ghana and Uganda.

SEASONS TO COME

As the industry recovers, restructures, repositions and restores, we are cautiously optimistic for the future. This is an exciting time, both locally and abroad, as pundits and critics are constantly punting our wines as “most exciting” or “best in show”. Consumers, particularly overseas, are turning to South African wine at higher price points and we’re starting to move away from that “cheap and cheerful” category at last.

The future of the industry comes down to social, environmental and financial sustainability, three pillars that were a strong focus for the recent Cape Wine trade show in Cape Town. We are one of the leading wine industries globally in social and environmental sustainability; we just need to get financial sustainability right.

South African’s wine producers are weathering the challenges to produce world-class wine, writes MARYNA CALOW, communications manager at Wines of South Africa

Maryna Calow

A FLAT RED, PLEASE

Putting finely ground rooibos tea through an espresso machine created a new beverage category and put South Africa at the vanguard of healthy cafe culture, write Red Espresso co-founders PETE and MONIQUE ETHELSTON

The world was a different place when Red Espresso was founded in 2005. The cafe culture popularised by companies such Starbucks in the late ’90s was taking the world by storm, but was still in its infancy in South Africa. The health market was still pretty fringe too. However, we saw massive potential in both markets, but no one had even contemplated bringing these two disparate trends together.

The missing link was a humble shrub that only grows within a 110km radius of Clanwilliam. Rooibos tea is drunk by the gallon in South Africa, and exported to Germany, Japan, the Netherlands, and a handful of other countries. But it was virtually unknown in the rest of the world, and it certainly wasn’t cool. The eureka moment came when after one cup of coffee too many, we ran finely ground rooibos tea through an espresso machine. The deep-ochre liquid that dripped into the cup didn’t just have an earthy complexity of flavour, but also boasted a crema (the foamy bit on top of an espresso) that would make an Italian barista proud.

SLOW BREWED

Red Espresso launched at a time when the South African rooibos industry was making a concerted effort to penetrate the health market. Rooibos has long been drunk for its health benefits, and a growing body of scientific research showed that it wasn’t just naturally caffeine-free, but also contained a unique natural antioxidant that made it great for fighting

LITTLE BY LITTLE, THE BETS WE HEDGED AT THE BEGINNING BEGAN TO PAY DIVIDENDS. OUR MADCAP IDEA OF PIONEERING A “HEALTHY CAFE CULTURE” HAS SLOWLY BECOME REALITY INTERNATIONALLY.

FAST FACT

Red Espresso was the first coffee alternative to penetrate the global cafe market – but if you walk into any coffee shop today, coffee will probably make up less than half the menu. Things like chai lattes and matcha tea have also gone mainstream.

Source: Red Espresso

cancer, diabetes, and arthritis, among many other conditions. Imagine our joy when we discovered that Red Espresso contained 10 times more of this unique antioxidant than regular rooibos tea (as reported by the Agricultural Research Council’s Antioxidant Research Unit).

Inventing a new beverage category was the easy part. We had a clear vision of how our super-healthy, caffeine-free coffee alternative could bridge the gap between mainstream cafe culture and the growing alternative health market. But many people we spoke to back then thought we were crazy. In South Africa, at least people knew what rooibos was. But when we went overseas, we didn’t even have that advantage.

The health benefits of our new beverage were all very well, but we knew that we had to compete on taste. If you’re marketing something as a Red Cappuccino, people must feel like they’re drinking a cappuccino. We quickly found out that not all rooibos is created equal. As is the case with arabica coffee, tea that’s grown at higher altitudes tastes better. And smaller-scale farmers, who rely on age-old techniques, produce a superior product. We decided to buy only the best of the best – and to pay a premium. We also invested heavily in customised equipment and intellectual property.

AN INDUSTRY AFFAIR

Our success is wrapped up in the industrywide effort to “premiumise” rooibos. Twenty years ago, the vast majority of rooibos was exported as bulk tea, with the value-add taking place outside of South Africa. That’s all changing now. Our range of products is manufactured entirely in South Africa, and we’re just one company. Loads of firms are now exporting premium rooibos products (teabags, loose-leaf tea, skincare products, gin, you name it) that have been beneficiated in South Africa.

For a long time, it felt like we – and many others in the industry – were treading water. But little by little, the bets we hedged at the beginning began to pay dividends. Our madcap idea of pioneering a “healthy cafe culture” has slowly become reality internationally. When we started, we were always educating people about our products and ideas. But now, thanks in part to the COVID-19 pandemic, which has worked wonders for the health and wellness market, it feels as though the time is right for our products.

Pete and Monique Ethelston

Red Espresso® instant red cappuccino®

Red Espresso® red cappuccino®

Fruit Lagoon non-alcoholic cocktail mix is easy to use and comes in five delicious flavours.

Create cocktails and mocktails or wow your crowd with imaginative recipes – all in the comfort of your home.

Lip-smackingly mnandi!

If we are what we eat, who are we? South Africans struggle to answer this question, partly because we tend to imagine that the contents of our pots are much more different than they actually are. We have 11 official languages (and a plethora of unofficial tongues too), which means that many of us unwittingly munch on the same stuff, but describe our epicurean activities using different nouns. Consider the humble bean, referred to as marama in Setswana, elandboontjie in Afrikaans and gami in Nama, considered by all sorts of South Africans as a braai side plate staple. Or the mopane “worm” (actually the Gonimbrasia belina caterpillar), which wiggles its way into our mouths as mašotša in Sepedi, matamani in Xitsonga and iinnondo in Southern Ndebele.

Even when our ingredients are not absolutely identical, tastes and techniques are often strikingly similar. For every dietary difference, there are plenty of parallels. While colonialism and apartheid undoubtedly divided, there has also been a great deal of cross-cultural food fusion.

Whose balls are these?

Many of our recipes exist on a continuum within which ingredients, cooking equipment and flavour combinations have been shared and borrowed back and forth over time. For instance, our nation’s favourite fritters are dished up and described as both vetkoek and magwinya, but essentially, they are both fried dough balls. Sometimes they differ in size, sometimes (as with the aniseed-laden skuinkoek) spice is added, but the key variation is in the ingredients with which we fill them.

On the Soweto streets, Ntombi Hlongwane’s amagwinya are sold stuffed with fried or salted and dried snoek or mongola (garlic polony). Hlongwane hawks her

fabulous food from a bucket while walking between the Mandela Museum and the Home Affairs building on Vilakazi Street. Those seeking to savour the Afrikaner alternative flock to the fantastic vetkoek at Napier’s Moerse Farmstall. The vetkoek are laden with either curried mince or a generous dollop of apricot jam – or both (both is best).

Looking for posh nosh incarnations of these offerings? Try Cape Town Chef Mmabatho Molefe’s Emazulwini modern Nguni cuisine restaurant (the name is Zulu for “place of heaven”). Here canapé-sized igwinya nopholoni (fried bread with chicken terrine –aka polony) is served as part of her multi-award-winning, über-innovative, six-course tasting menu.

SOUR SANCTUARY

Sticking with similar starches, Xhosa umvubo, Zulu uphuthu and Afrikaner krummelpap are all crumbly texture maize meal. Top the aforementioned umvubo with fermented milk amasi curds and you have umphokoqo fit for a king. Well, a president actually. Umphokoqo was a favourite of the late Nelson Mandela, and his former personal chef, Xoliswa Ndoyiya, still serves a beautifully rich and creamy version as part of her offering at Sanctuary Mandela Hotel in Houghton, Johannesburg. Be warned, the great man liked his amasi curds startlingly sour, so that is the way Sis Xoli makes it.

Speaking of sour, whether your taste buds are tingling over a bowl of Zulu-style isibhede or as you sip umqombothi beer from a calabash, South Africa has a fabulous ferment to suit every palate and wallet. Gqebera chef and food activist Nabo Binase has created an exquisitely stylish fine-dining-style umqombothi cocktail at her regular pop-up Ukutya Club Experiences.

SWEET RELIEF

Those who prefer ferments sweet rather than sour should seek out the honey alcohol Khoi and San people know as !Karri. Called Khadi among Setswana speakers and Qhiri or Qhilika among Xhosas, it is all essentially the same stuff. Be warned: whatever you call it, these boozy honey drinks are not only deeply delicious but also super strong. Khanya Mncwabe’s Matawi Mead company makes various versions of these great ancient Southern African taste treats.

Looking for additional sweet-and-sour Xhosa fine dining? Chef Siya Kobo from Kobo Cuisine Catering, Johannesburg, works extensively with a milk and honey motif, within which he examines ancient and modern epicurean interactions. Menus change seasonally and according to chef’s whim, but his current menu includes umvubo maize meal with honeyed amasi curds and whey jelly, followed by milk tart with honeycomb and iQhilika Xhosa-style mead caviar.

Ultimately, it doesn’t matter how we describe our epicurean delights, as long as we are enjoying ourselves and eating well. And with so much fine food around our country and our many cultures, how could we not?

Ntombi Hlongwane

Xoliswa Ndoyiya with Nelson Mandela

Chef Mmabatho Molefe, Emazulwini restaurant

Khanya Mncwabe

100 Flavours Exhibition Ukhamba utywala sorghum beer

ANNA TRAPIDO tracks our taste buds and tummies across the many ways our varied cultures treat similar ingredients

IMPROVING LIVES THROUGH SOCIAL INNOVATION

Entrepreneurs demonstrate tremendous courage throughout the process of innovation. This often requires them to take big risks to achieve goals others might think are unattainable. Unfortunately, even some of the most successful entrepreneurs often struggle with accessing the support they need.

Through our entrepreneurial programmes, the s a B Foundation provides a continuous journey of support for entrepreneurs. a s part of this journey, these individuals have access to business skills development, tailored mentorship and finance to enable them to reach their full potential. We are inspired by the calibre of entrepreneurs coming through our doors and look forward to seeing how they succeed in developing their businesses.

One of our flagship programmes, the sa B Foundation s o cial i nn ovation and Disability e m powerment aw ards, brings about scale, job creation and sustainable social change. The programme celebrates deserving entrepreneurs who have developed innovative products, services, business models and processes that directly address the challenges faced by vulnerable women, youth, people living in rural areas and persons with disabilities.

ABOUT THE SAB FOUNDATION

Founded in 2010, the SAB Foundation provides grant funding for small, medium and micro enterprises to contribute to the economic and social empowerment of historically disadvantaged persons through entrepreneurship development. The SAB Foundation’s primary beneficiaries are women, youth, people living with disabilities and people living in rural areas, from low-income backgrounds. To date, more than R425-million has been invested in social innovation, disability empowerment and small, medium, micro and macro enterprises.

They receive business support, skills development and one-on-one mentorship, as well as access to finance. e a ch of these business owners focuses on solving a social problem in sectors such as housing, healthcare, education, disability, energy, water and sanitation, community safety, agriculture, recycling and financial inclusion. s i nce the inception of our awards programme in 2015, we have invested more than R73-million in supporting 143 entrepreneurs. Over this period, these entrepreneurs have created 1 308 new jobs, indirectly impacting 9 140 livelihoods, and increased their turnover by 117 per cent from R112-million to R243-million. Of the business owners, 60 per cent are youth, 45 per cent are women, 15 per cent live in rural areas, and 5 per cent are persons with a disability.

Through our Disability e mp owerment awa rds, we identify, support and scale social innovations that provide solutions for persons with disabilities. To date, we have supported 33 entrepreneurs by investing over R21-million in funding, business skills development and mentorship.

s om e innovations include a device that assists visually impaired individuals navigate through their phones, a wheelchair that helps people with reduced mobility go up and down the stairs while seated, and an implantable device that prevents blindness in glaucoma patients.

ALUMNI ACHIEVEMENTS

One of our s o cial i nn ovation aw ards alumna is Kedibone Tsiloane, the founder of PlastiBrick. Tsiloane was placed second and awarded grant funding to invest in her business. This enabled her to double the number of permanently employed staff from four to eight and to create more than 100 indirect jobs in her local community.

a n other entrepreneur is s hivad s ingh, founder of Head s t art e d ucation. He was awarded at our sa B F oundation s o cial i n novation awa rds in 2019. Before joining the programme, his business was in the growth phase. He initially employed two people and had an annual revenue of R1.2-million. His income increased by 70 per cent in just three months after the 2022 financial year-end. He now employs six people and has recently contracted a company to develop educational content that employs 34 people on a part-time basis.

s o uth a f rica cannot rely on the government alone to bridge the gap between formal and informal communities. Big businesses need to play a meaningful part in stimulating economic growth and creating employment opportunities by fostering entrepreneurship. Their focus should be on scaling efforts to support local innovators with access to finance, business experience and knowledge.

ONE OF OUR FLAGSHIP PROGRAMMES, THE SAB FOUNDATION SOCIAL INNOVATION AND DISABILITY EMPOWERMENT AWARDS, BRINGS ABOUT SCALE, JOB CREATION AND SUSTAINABLE SOCIAL CHANGE.

To make a tangible difference in addressing our country’s most pressing and entrenched challenges, we must holistically support entrepreneurs creating business solutions to pressing social issues.

By BRIDGIT EVANS, SAB Foundation director

Bridgit Evans

Shivad Singh

OPERATION MODULAR

Faced with a housing crisis, South Africa needs options to build large numbers of houses quickly. RODNEY WEIDEMANN looks into modular and prefabricated construction

South Africa, like many other nations around the globe, is facing a massive housing crisis as it tries to deal with the challenge of providing all citizens with access to suitable or adequate housing. The country needs to build several million more homes in the next few years if the government is to meet its target of providing affordable housing for 12.5 million citizens by 2030.

Many ideas have been mooted to help overcome this housing challenge, and innovation clearly is key to solving the problem. One idea the conversation keeps coming back to is modular and prefabricated edifices.

THE NEED FOR PREFAB

Housing is a basic human need and prefabricated buildings provide rapid infrastructure, creating an opportunity to help fill this important gap, notes Roberto Campos, COO at prefabricated and modular building manufacturer KwikSpace. “It saves time, as such buildings are much faster to build than traditional brick-and-mortar constructions. Furthermore, the components are built in a factory, so there are no inclement weather delays or similar external impacting factors as on traditional construction sites.”

In addition, says Campos, the factory environment provides quality assurance. “Components can be checked at various hold points, while such constructions are cheaper to build when compared to brick and mortar.”

He adds that this building method also produces lower waste and has less of an environmental impact than a standard construction site. Nevertheless, although they are prefabricated, these buildings have a 20-year-plus lifespan.

Yulande Roxburgh, CEO and founder of TinyHome Africa, says prefab units are manufactured in a controlled factory environment and designed to withstand movement and delivery to the site, allowing for mass production and one-day delivery with minimum disturbance to the environment.

“We have noted the popularity of light, steel-frame construction, which can be attributed to the seamless interface between computer-based design systems and manufacturing processes,” says Roxburgh. “When compared to conventional construction methods, light steel frames offer several advantages, including cost, building speed, quality,and durability. It is up to 50 per cent lighter than a wooden frame with no labour-intensive bricklaying or wood packing, panelling or straightening required.”

Roxburgh adds that light steel is a green building method. “More than 95 per cent of the water used in the steel-making process is recycled and returned.

Every piece of steel used in our constructions contains recycled content.”

“WHEN COMPARED TO CONVENTIONAL CONSTRUCTION METHODS, LIGHT STEEL FRAMES OFFER SEVERAL ADVANTAGES, INCLUDING COST, BUILDING SPEED, QUALITY, AND DURABILITY.”

– YULANDE ROXBURGH

A simple prefabricated dwelling.

Prefabricated buildings offer an affordable, scalable housing solution.

SO WHERE’S THE CHALLENGE?

Justin Anley, a director at modular developers WolfPack, points out that shifting to modular or prefabricated buildings takes a mindset change with which many South Africans struggle. He says many people who received such housing through the Reconstruction and Development Programme (RDP) complained that it was not a brick-and-mortar construction. “This mindset suggests this method is inferior to standard building methods. However, if one looks at Scandinavia, something like 80 per cent of their houses are constructed in this manner.

“Our company is based locally, but our main market is the international arena. I still find it amazing that we are offering low- and medium-range solutions for housing that are simply not accepted by the local market, yet we are exporting these same solutions to developed markets with very high construction and building standards.”

Anley notes that one of the major local challenges remains that, at least in the RDP instances, there are tenders for such projects. The issue he highlights is that with tenders, winning is a price-related game, meaning that bidders are tempted to cut corners. This means construction may not be up to standard, leading to failures in buildings and ultimately giving the industry a bad name.

“Another issue around the price point is that although developers may be able to save around 20 per cent of their costs by going prefab, there is the risk of little uptake of their

fast fact

An estimated 20 per cent of urban South African households reside in informal settlements, while the housing shortage is estimated at approximately 3.7 million, rising at around 178 000 annually.

Source: Centre for Affordable Housing Finance in Africa

“Remember that there are many different types of systems available in South Africa that offer cost and speed benefits, but are not necessarily suited for this type of application. It is important to have the correct system that will provide you with the required thermal insulation, structural strength, stability, fire rating, durability, acoustic performance, and quality. These systems are certified by either a registered engineer or via an Agrément certificate.” He adds that prefab buildings, while considered secure enough, also have the option to install burglar bars, security gates and alarm systems.

Roxburgh believes the real challenge is that we need government to come on board to create the right zoning for these types of homes. “This has been one of the primary obstacles for potential tiny homeowners. Once that hurdle has been removed, many people will be able to afford their lifestyle in quality smaller homes.”

MANUFACTURING AND JOB CREATION

Roxburgh adds that removing the zoning hurdle will positively impact the industry and job creation. “With more manufacture of smaller homes, large factories can be set up to assemble and build prefab homes that can be transported by truck, or built in sections for site assembly. Additionally, cabinetmakers, tilers and builders can be trained to meet quality levels and gain skills to earn higher incomes.”

Campos says there are several locally manufactured products and manufacturers. “For example, we manufacture our own wall and ceiling panels and fabricate our own chassis. We see the development of this market as an opportunity to create growth in the manufacturing sector and across the value chain, such as through the procurement of steel, paint and other consumables from local suppliers.”

Campos adds that manufacturing prefabricated buildings is labour-intensive.

“The ramp-up required to fulfil the numbers would ensure a high number of jobs created,

along with the opportunity to upskill existing workers.”

Campos notes that prefabricated buildings can provide solutions across many applications other than housing. “For example, we still have children learning in inappropriate structures or under trees, and patients standing in queues for hours due to a shortage of clinics. Prefabricated and modular buildings offer the opportunity to provide a solution that is much quicker to build, but still provides the benefits of a brick-and-mortar construction.”

CONTAINING THE HOUSING PROBLEM

Durban-based Almar Container Group has been providing container solutions to international and domestic partners for years. While its modular and prefabricated housing systems are currently not implemented in South Africa, its work in Kenya offers a window into the potential impact of container housing.

• Almar Flat Pack Containers operates in a modular system that allows for the quick and simple assembly of a temporary or semi-permanent facility.

• A flat pack builds into the dimensions of a container, but is not a shipping container. Starting in flat-pack form means transportation of the units is 75 per cent more efficient than a standard converted container

• The flat pack is constructed with interchangeable panels allowing for many designs and layouts. It can even be used to construct multistorey buildings.

• Standard modules are each fitted with one door, two windows and all electrical fittings. The modular frame is made from cold-formed steel, resulting in reduced weight and increased strength.

• The panels are made from a combination of a galvanised and painted steel sheet metal exterior with noncombustible mineral wool or EPS insulation.

Source: Almar Container Group

“IT IS IMPORTANT TO HAVE THE CORRECT SYSTEM THAT WILL PROVIDE YOU WITH THE REQUIRED THERMAL INSULATION, STRUCTURAL STRENGTH, STABILITY, FIRE RATING, DURABILITY, ACOUSTIC PERFORMANCE, AND QUALITY.” – ROBERTO CAMPOS

FURNITURE: THE GOOD, THE BAD AND THE IMPORTED

The luxury furniture industry in South Africa is complex and intriguing. Being at the forefront of a continent developing at an impressive rate means constantly adapting and growing, with changes on almost every level, writes DANIELA MARTINS, marketing specialist at SHF Living

In 2018, South Africa was Africa’s second-largest furniture exporter, with export values of R4.2-billion, according to a post by Africa Business Pages. Imports are somewhat different: half the furniture sold in South Africa is manufactured locally and half is imported.

So where does that leave the luxury furniture sector – a niche and specialised one – within that industry?

The answer is simple: high-end product marketing is all about preferences. Styles and designs cohesively shape brands. There should be no reason to limit the choices for consumers; the crucial element is to fulfil the needs and styles of discerning buyers. When you break it down like that, it’s simpler to strategise.

In recent years, despite the massive impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, huge investments have been made in the local real estate, tourism and hospitality industries. These have significantly boosted the demand for fashionable, luxury

furniture pieces designed to impress people and enhance spaces. There is, however, a disconnect here. The fast-moving dynamic of the fashion world would (and should) ordinarily blitz right past the world of skilfully crafted handmade furniture, but in this case, it can’t happen that way. For the concept of high-fashion furniture to work, a balance is needed.

IMPORT VERSUS MANUFACTURE

In the import versus manufacture debate, our decision as a major furniture retail brand is to support the colossal talent housed within our extraordinary country – from the artists to the artisans and every brilliantly skilled person we meet along our journey.

Don’t get me wrong – imports can be gorgeous and fill a need. If you strip back the negatives of imports you are left with the time differential. Imported furniture is typically quicker, apart from 2020, when furniture imports declined by 23 per cent. While some of that decline was attributed to temporary supply chain disruptions, there seems to be a more sustained shift rumbling in the underbelly of our country. During the worst of the pandemic, many South Africans took a step back and realised that we are nothing without each other. Food drives picked up the pace; we helped others, supported one another, and persevered. That movement spurred a heartwarming and patriotic drive to be more proudly South African than ever. Social media was almost instantly awash with stories of hope and renewal and the Local is Lekker hashtag took over with such vigour that it still reverberates across our nation today. Our government’s response to the

pandemic and its effect on the country resonates with themes of regeneration, reimagining, and rejuvenation – ideas we enthusiastically support.

ON THE RIGHT PATH

For us, that means we are on the right path. With our roots in the heart of Africa, there is no going wrong and certainly no going back. We are precisely where we belong in our industry, and we take our role as a high-end brand seriously. We have a responsibility to our customers to lead where others follow, to inspire and spark joy.

For consumers, luxury furniture shopping is simply choosing a favourite piece or range that makes them feel good and will look good. For us, it is designing and manufacturing pieces from scratch that effortlessly weave those spaces together to create something truly magnificent. So, while time may seem like it’s moving incredibly slowly while you wait patiently for your new sofa, bed, or dining table, remember that piece is being made just for you. It isn’t ordinary, it isn’t instant, but it is uniquely yours. That makes our SHF Living version of the luxury furniture industry stand out from the others. Our pieces don’t just fill a need; they create that need. There is an important difference, and our customers understand and appreciate that.

OUR DECISION AS A MAJOR FURNITURE RETAIL BRAND IS TO SUPPORT THE COLOSSAL TALENT HOUSED WITHIN OUR EXTRAORDINARY COUNTRY – FROM THE ARTISTS TO THE ARTISANS AND EVERY BRILLIANTLY SKILLED PERSON WE MEET ALONG OUR JOURNEY.

THE FURNITURE MARKET IN AFRICA

Daniela Martins

Bespoke furniture by SHF Living.

IS A LED & SOLAR LED SUPPLIER.

Our Solar LED Street Lights, Solar LED Flood lights & Solar LED Integrated All In One Solar Lighting provide a more cost-effective solution by building with premium components that will last, reducing installation costs and also requiring less maintenance over 5 to 8 years.

All our products are backed up by local repairs, spares, service & maintenance & our Solar LED lighting has been exported into 24 countries out of the 54 on the African continent since 2011.

Standard full 3-year FULL product warranty with option to extend to 6 years on various components. Different component warranties from 3 to 10 years. Most of our designs are up to 70% local South African content and will vary on specific ranges.

Our build capabilities on designs we offer are from 10w up to 2.4Kw of high-powered Solar LED lighting.

Most of our materials are sourced from ISO9001 certified component suppliers ensuring premium quality overall in performance and design. Superior LED lumen packages from 130 to 160 lumen per watt. Our LED street luminaires and luminaires are all IEC tested with various other component & test certifications with test reports.

IES Files & simulations available. We can cater for all types of single arm, double, triple or quad Solar LED lighting from AGM to Lithium LIFE PO4 battery technology in various options and performance requirements.

THE BIG SCREEN IS BACK

The 24-year-old Encounters South African International Documentary Festival has had to deal with dramatic developments locally and globally. The worldwide disruption of film festivals due to the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in organisers migrating to digital platforms, but we are excited to see the enthusiastic return of many to in-person events. Festivals are the lifeblood of documentaries and a pivotal platform to maintain the ecosystem of film, through access to audiences, buyers, funders, media, and networks, as well as being a career-advancing thoroughfare.

In this context, the Encounters festival programmers selected some of the best documentaries nationally and internationally, and our audiences agree! The complex pandemic landscape moved the consumption of documentaries from limited cinema spaces and physical festivals to online streaming and video-on-demand platforms, introducing the genre to larger audiences and, in South Africa, changing the demographic of viewers.

After two years of hosting the festival virtually, screenings of the 53 films selected – 29 of which are South African – returned to the cinema on 23 June, delighting the diehard fans.

South Africa has a rich legacy of documentaries grounded in activism and social justice; this year’s current line-up is a testament to that. The South African selections are produced by a range of filmmakers who spent significant time and sometimes personal resources to piece together cohesive and creative works with limited budgets.

The meticulous curation of the best South African films of the year, combined with award-winning international features, ensured Encounters continues to be a leading film hub on the African continent.

THIS YEAR’S TOP FILMS

The top nine most-watched films are local.

Award-winning and nominated premier documentary filmmakers Simon Wood (Container, Scenes from a Dry City) and Emmy Award winner Francois Vester (The Lion’s Trail, Shahrazad ) enjoyed packed cinemas for their latest offering, Girl Taken, about the disappearance of three-day-old Zephany Nurse, who was later found by miraculous coincidence. Another award-winning veteran filmmaker, Jane Lipman, presented an intimate and personal portrait of human rights icon

George Bizos. Shameela Seedat, whose award-winning film, Whispering Truth to Power, about Thuli Madonsela, opened Encounters in 2018, returned to the festival with African Moot The film documents the annual African Human Rights Moot Court Competition, with aspiring lawyers from the African continent vying for the top prize.

NEW VOICES

This year the festival profiled a host of new voices screening themes popular with local audiences, including personal, heritage, and cultural stories, as well as films where the filmmaker is intimately involved. Sihle Hlophe’s Lobola, A Bride’s True Price? follows her journey before her wedding as she questions the notion of lobola, reminding us that the personal is political. No stranger to the media industry, but a first-time feature documentary director, Mpumi “Supa” Ngcuka directed the opening-night film, Music is My Life, the much-anticipated homage to Joseph Shabalala and his legendary music group, Ladysmith Black Mambazo.

As programmers, we always look out for new productions and appreciate seeing our local documentaries on popular streaming platforms. Showmax announced the documentary series Steinheist, about the most shocking corporate scandal in the history of South Africa. The series is directed by Richard Finn Gregory, who also presented Radical at this year’s Encounters, an intimate portrait of a gay Iman’s fight for social justice and inclusivity for LGBTQ+ Muslims within Islam across Africa.

I am looking forward to new women-led films, especially Dorpie, produced by Antoinette Engle and directed by Julia Jaki, about an NGO safe house for women in Bredasdorp, a place that has seen horrific femicide over the past decade. We were also impressed to see Festival alumna Jessie Zinn’s latest offering featured recently in The New Yorker Drummies, a character-driven behind-the-scenes look at aspiring drum majorettes in post-apartheid South Africa, is garnering attention.

We aim to find those films that have their finger on the pulse of the social and political context of South Africa and those that can dig deeper to offer some insight to the public beyond the news headlines – films that inspire, engage and educate.

Music Is My Life director Mpumi “Supa” Ngcuka at the 24th Encounters.

Lobola, A Bride’s True Price? director Sihle Hlophe at a community screening during Encounters 2022.

SOUTH AFRICA HAS A RICH LEGACY OF DOCUMENTARIES GROUNDED IN ACTIVISM AND SOCIAL JUSTICE; THIS YEAR’S CURRENT LINE-UP IS A TESTAMENT TO THAT.

MANDISA ZITHA , director of the Encounters South African International Documentary Festival, shares how the best documentary films are once again screening in cinemas

Mandisa Zitha

Zephany Nurse, subject of Girl Taken, at Q&A during 24th Encounters.

Audiences at The Labia Theatre during the 24th Encounters documentary festival.

CELEBRATING DIVERSITY THROUGH FASHION DESIGN

For most people, nothing beats a homemade product, and when it comes to fashion, South Africa is not short of well-known names or up-and-coming designers and brands, writes DENISE MHLANGA

FILLING THE MARKET GAPS

In 2021, YKOE (Your Kingdom on Earth), a Christian-based fashion and lifestyle brand, was launched at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. YKOE was birthed from a gap in the market as artists, pastors, leaders, and influencers sought quality, trendy garments that are versatile on and off stage.

YKOE was founded by Hlengiwe Ntombela, better known as HLE – a South African gospel singer and songwriter and former member of the Joyous Celebration gospel choir. The newly established brand suffered through lockdown restrictions, reinventing itself in 2022 and opening a boutique store at 27 Boxes in Melville, Johannesburg.

Ntombela and her team are working tirelessly to create timeless seasonal clothing to suit individual tastes. “YKOE is a minimalistic yet classy and affordable brand,” she says. “It’s a culture, and people wear the brand differently to match their fashion sense.”

While not shipping internationally yet, YKOE is experiencing demand from other continents, and could soon open branches in other African countries as well as the United States.

UNIQUE STATEMENT JEWELLERY

Qualified in jewellery design and manufacturing, Nonhle Maboee founded Jewelseed Clay in 2019. The brand offers lightweight, handmade, polymer clay jewellery for a diverse market that loves a splash of colour or a statement piece –bold or subtle – to add to their collection.

“Jewelseed’s design and style variations represent influences of a diversity in a country with different cultures and interests,” says Maboee. She says

bringing a unique and different product to the market is an opportunity. “With every Jewelseed design, I want the person wearing it to feel the uniqueness of the South African story told through a pair of earrings.”

Maboee says tourists are her main international market, buying her designs at exclusive boutiques where Jewelseed is stocked. “I aim to grow my international footprint through the online store and am seeking partnerships with boutiques abroad.”

INSPIRED BY AFRICA

Inga Sebata’s love of fashion and timeless pieces at affordable prices led her to establish Stitched By Inga in 2018. Stitched by Inga offers bespoke ready-to-wear clothing that caters to women looking for style and comfort for all seasons.

“Stitched By Inga embodies and is inspired by bold African prints that reflect the continent’s rich and vibrant cultures,” says Sebata. She explains that her brand is inspired by the African continent, which is alive with possibilities and has many talented people in various business sectors.

Although she works with a team of seamstresses, Sebata is the head designer. The brand offers personalised services such as home consultations for added convenience. Sebata believes the African continent has untapped opportunities, while her brand has already sold in the United Kingdom, Japan and the United States.

Jewelseed earrings

Hlengiwe Ntombela

Inga Sebata wearing the Inga dress.

EVERY JEWELSEED DESIGN, I WANT THE PERSON WEARING IT TO FEEL THE UNIQUENESS OF THE SOUTH AFRICAN STORY TOLD THROUGH A PAIR OF EARRINGS.” – NONHLE MABOEE

Nonhle Maboee

THE MUST-HAVE ICONIC SHOE

The iconic Veldskoen Shoes brand, established in 2016, is a global footwear brand made in South Africa and loved for its comfort, durability and diverse appeal. CEO Nick Dreyer and co-founder Ross Zondagh say that their passion for South Africa led to the birth of the brand. After watching the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio, the pair debated what the South African athletes could have worn to make them look proudly South African.

TRENDY AFRICAN SNEAKERS

Founded in 2015 by Theo Baloyi in the township of Alexandra in Johannesburg, Bathu is a trendy African sneaker brand and a household name in South Africa. Baloyi, a former accountant, came up with the idea of designing an authentic African sneaker brand while working in the Middle East.

The first 100 pairs of the Mesh Edition were launched to customers in Alexandra, Soweto, Midrand and Tembisa. Once word got out, the brand grew from selling to family and close friends to opening several retail stores across the country along with a warehouse in Centurion.

The brand and its founder have won numerous awards, including the fastest-growing business brand and emerging business entrepreneur, among others. Bathu’s logo is made of entwined shoelaces to represent each person’s journey to destiny, says Baloyi. “Our trendy sneakers are designed for comfort, and technology is a big part of the design process that gives customers the unforgettable experience of owning a Bathu pair of shoes.”

Five years later, the winning, stylish design of brightly coloured soles and laces became Veldskoen’s trademark. The pair remain very involved in the business and have roped in their wives, who add valuable insights and a feminine touch to the designs.

“Veldskoen positions itself as a pair of shoes you simply must have in your cupboard,” says Dreyer. “It’s like jeans: we all have at least one pair.”

Currently, the brand sells in 30 countries globally, with the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, and the European Union being the biggest markets. Dreyer says the brand is looking to enter the East and South American regions, adding that South Africa and the African continent have tremendous growth opportunities.

He says the brand is accessibly priced, and its sister brand, Plakkie, is a flip-flop shoe brand competing with South American imports. “It is critical that South Africans support local brand manufacturing as this helps the economy to grow and also gives local business a platform to showcase their products.”

RETAILERS ON MANUFACTURING AND SOURCING LOCALLY

In 2018, South African retailers realised the need to buy local products to drive local manufacturing and employment. This resulted in the offi cial launching of the South African Retail-Clothing, Textile, Footwear and Leather Value Chain Master Plan 2030, a commitment by government and industry stakeholders to rethink and reinvent the way they do business to meet the plan’s objectives.

Mr Price Group CEO Mark Blair explains that the master plan was signed off in November 2019, adding that the group is a signatory and has been involved since inception. “The prompting of this was to increase support to the local economy, diversify our supply base and increase our agility.”

Blair explains that the group saw increasing local production, resulting in the growth of manufacturing fi rms along with job creation. “We are a member of Proudly South African, and our growth strategy in South Africa supports our growing local supply base and increases local sourcing.”

Currently, the group locally sources 80 million units annually and intends to increase this to 100 million by 2030. This makes Mr Price one of the leading companies in the sector in terms of local sourcing volume, equating to a R4.3-billion investment into local manufacturing.

Baloyi is very involved in the business, which draws its inspiration from its diverse customers, who are also loyal brand ambassadors. The brand is presently focused on penetrating African markets to help solidify its product to attain the best advocacy when launching abroad. “Our online store is bearing fruit with sizeable orders shipped abroad monthly,” says Baloyi. “We are inspired to create a proudly African sneaker brand that can be benchmarked against the rest of the world’s offerings.”

“Our strategy includes supporting our current local suppliers through funding and development initiatives to grow their production, create jobs, and scale and diversify their product offering,” says Blair. “We currently support over 40 000 people in our local supply chain.” He says for years, the group has collaborated with local fashion designers through various successful campaigns, assessed on a case-by-case basis, and in line with a seasonal strategy.

Blair adds that Mr Price was the fi rst retailer to develop a fully integrated South African cotton value chain, and has since continued to support the procurement of South African cotton benefi ciated into millions of T-shirts and towels made locally.

IMAGES: SUPPLIED

Theo Baloyi

Veldskoen Heritage Hot Pink

“WE ARE INSPIRED TO CREATE A PROUDLY AFRICAN SNEAKER BRAND THAT CAN BE BENCHMARKED AGAINST THE REST OF THE WORLD’S OFFERINGS.” – THEO BALOYI

Nick Dreyer

Mark Blair

THE GREAT SOUTH AFRICAN CEMENT

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THERE’S NO STOPPING NOMI HANDMADE

Like many great concepts, the idea behind Nomi Handmade came to me at an unexpected moment. I have always been creative, but later in life, I felt that I had almost lost part of it, and I was looking for ways to find that spark again. Buying a sewing machine on a whim, I started playing around with strips of shweshwe fabric and rope. Through trial and error, I produced my first pieces of jewellery. I wore them out and my friends would literally take them off my body to try them on. That was when I realised I might be onto something special.

The distinct look of my creations instantly spoke to other women: the structured necklaces, earrings, and bracelets clad with vividly coloured and patterned fabric were unexpected and surprising, but undeniably appealing and fashion-forward. What’s more, while they were every bit as bold as they were unique, they were seamless accessories to every modern outfit. So, the notion of a business – backed by inspired, fresh designs –was formed.

STARTING FROM SCRATCH

But starting a business from scratch – and a creative one at that – is no mean feat.

Society often gears people towards leaving their passions behind them and entering the workforce. It can feel like the odds are against you and no one has your back, but I was lucky in that I always had my mother who encouraged me every step of the way.

My next steps were to find a way to reach consumers. I opened a stand at a market in Langa, and I sold out. All the cash I made left me feeling nervous because I started thinking of things from a business perspective. That’s when I went out and registered my company and Nomi Handmade was born.

In many ways, it was like fate. “I know you’re going to work with your hands one day,” my mother always used to tell me, and in many ways, this whole business is built because of her. I even used her name, Nomgcobo, as inspiration for Nomi Handmade.

Although my mother has passed, she still continues to be a source of inspiration. I saw her work hard to raise eight children single-handedly while running a household and pursuing a career. She was a remarkable woman and she was – and is still – the fuel that keeps me going.

SPARKING INSPIRATION

Today, Nomi Handmade designs are prized by jewellery fanatics and collectors alike, and have a wide and loyal consumer base across the country and abroad. Our catalogue boasts a variety of designs in a spectrum of colours – some in simple and easy forms, others are playful and break away from the expected through unusual shapes and forms. My aim now is to continue developing my designs to reflect a South African design perspective with international appeal. I also want to share mystory to inspire other like-minded creatives to find that spark and do what they love most.

I recently partnered with the oldest workwear brand, Sweet-Orr, to talk about the importance of loving one’s craft and pursuing a passion in life. As part of a video series in the #LoveWhatYouDo campaign on Sweet-Orr’s YouTube channel and website, I explain that my sustained inspiration comes from being able to spend every day doing what I love the most. It’s my happy space, and there’s nothing more freeing than being able to wake up in the morning and create – and whatever comes out of it, comes out of it.

Putting shweshwe on the wrists of people everywhere is THANDIE DOWERY, jewellery designer and founder of Nomi Handmade

LOVE WHAT YOU DO VIDEO THE HOME OF SHWESHWE JEWELLERY

Thandi Dowery

Nomi Handmade jewellery is crafted from stunning shweshwe fabric.

THE QUEST FOR THE ULTIMATE BABY BAG

importantly for ge ldenhuys, “a bit more exclusive” was as exclusive as she wanted to get. “i love my leather bag, but how many people can afford that? That’s not right for themass South african market.”

g e ldenhuys initially sold her diaper backpacks through baby expos, where she sold out her stock and gained all-important feedback from customers. “at my first expo, i couldn’t believe it: i sold 320 bags in two days, and orders kept coming in after the expo.”

it was also at an expo where g e ldenhuys was approached by a buyer from Checkers, who had used her bag and wanted to chat further about the product. Combining the feedback she’d received at the expos with Checkers’ knowledge of the market, g e ldenhuys began to adapt the bags to suit local needs better. She added a sling and handles to make the bag more versatile, a security pouch inside the bag for valuables, and an insulated foil pouch inside the bag to fit larger bottles, which are more popular among South af rican parents.

LOCALISING THE BRAND

Strong initial sales helped boost the business, but after a while, g e ldenhuys began to struggle with waiting up to eight weeks for more stock to arrive. With retailers such as Checkers also importing, she had to squeeze her margins to meet their prices. “i realised that what i could offer to incentivise them to buy my product was shorter lead times. So, we paused the business and worked to find local suppliers. This enabled me to respond to demand quickly, and with all the hype around localisation, we realised we could be a part of the solution.”

g e ldenhuys looked at what was possible to produce in South af rica, deciding on hand-drawn designs printed on cotton spandex. “i found several small suppliers keen to take us on as a new customer, and now we’re growing together. We’re helping each other, and as our businesses grow, so will our relationships.”

W

hen Ree Collectives founder Ree g e ldenhuys, her husband and three children, all under 18 months, travelled to the United States, she had a beautiful leather diaper bag that family friends had clubbed together to buy for her. The only problem was that it wasn’t the bag she needed.

“While on the trip, i saw this lady in a restaurant unpacking her baby things from a backpack, and i thought, this is what i need,” explains g e ldenhuys. “i asked her to show me the backpack and decided i needed to get something like it into South af rica.”

When g e ldenhuys returned to South af rica, she set about sourcing products for her new business idea. She found what she was looking for on a libaba. “i took my R40 000 savings and placed an order, then one day i came home and all these boxes had arrived from China. i jumped into the business quickly.”

g e ldenhuys expedited matters by doing her own branding. “i think when starting a business, people often overcomplicate things and take a long time doing the branding.” She ordered the bags without any branding and decided to personalise them by way of locally made leather patches.

“i found a lovely lady in Kuilsriver who sewed on these leather patches to give it a local touch and make it feel a bit more exclusive.”

Today, Ree Collectives imports less than 10 per cent of its stock annually, with a range of accessories and bedding complementing the diaper, kids and family backpack ranges. g e ldenhuys works with a group of other moms on the business and branding in a part-time model that suits highly qualified women who have to juggle parental responsibilities with work.

Her advice to other budding entrepreneurs? “make the product your focus. it has to be world-class, and you need to keep improving it. a nd ensure you have a sustainable supply. Checkers helped me to find demand by giving me market access. many entrepreneurs have the perception that the big retailers are scary and unapproachable, but while they’re tough, they’ve been really supportive of the business.”

Ree Geldenhuys

Like many great business ideas, the spark for baby accessories and bags brand Ree Collectives came from a need. By Anthony ShArpe

“I FOUND SEVERAL SMALL SUPPLIERS KEEN TO TAKE US ON AS A NEW CUSTOMER, AND NOW WE’RE GROWING TOGETHER.”

– REE GELDENHUYS