THOUGHTS
I suppose the Babazeka seed was planted a few years ago when I was traveling on my own in Asia. I had lots of time to think about my career path and what was most important to me. Also, I was hugely aware of all the Chinese imports which flood every Asian country, as well as my own, South Africa. And lastly, seeing so much poverty, and noticing how it affected me, made me realise how accustomed I’d become to poverty back at home. It was the norm. This got me thinking some more.

LOVE

Crime and unemployment are two other major challenges facing South Africa today. I feel that these aren’t going to end, unless everyone puts in the effort to do something about it. I guess I'm the sort of person who wants more than just monetary gain from my career. I realise that I can’t single-handedly put an end to crime, poverty and imports, but the underlying purpose of Babazeka will be to support businesses and organisations who are working at reducing these, and hopefully we will inspire others to do the same. I decided that I wanted to start a business through which I can do things that I love to do, but also, one that will benefit the people in South Africa who need it the most.

PEOPLE
I had a chat with my cousin, Scott , an online marketer, and he agreed to build a website through which I could sell specially selected South African handmade products. All of the goods would be made by projects or companies who teach skills to, and create jobs for people who come from a previously disadvantaged background. Our main focus would be on social upliftment.

PRODUCTS
The best part though, is that all the products we've chosen not only have a positive impact on people's lives, but they're also amazing products in themselves.  They're contemporary, whilst having an African feel, or have been made using a traditional African technique.  They're colourful, well-designed, innovative and unique.

YOU
We’ve had so much fun sourcing products, meeting suppliers and developing the website. We plan to carry on having fun as the business grows, and we’d so love for all of you, our customers and supporters, to be involved. Please let us know what you think of our products, our site, anything! Because it is with your help, that we are able to help others.

 Pic: Original babazeka logo