Babazeka - A socially aware online store

This is a business which was started by a Zimbabwean couple many years ago. The couple wanted to give something back to their employees, and so, gave ownership of the business to a few of the local women from Kommetjie, Cape Town. It now supports about 12 people from surrounding townships.

The name Zambane was chosen because the word means “potato” in Zulu and this the tool used to print the patterns onto their fabric products.

Each day, designs are cut into potatoes. The cotton fabric is dyed, and then carefully marked out so as to guide the designs. Plain block potatoes are printed as an under-colour in many areas of the design. Finally, the intricately cut potatoes are dipped into different coloured pigment dyes and overlaid onto the fabric. The entire process is carried out by hand and so, is incredibly time-consuming.

In buying an item made by Zambane, you are supporting the empowerment of women, as well the creation of jobs for previously disadvantaged South Africans.

Babazeka loves the products of Zambane because each is a work of art, filled with colourful, contemporary African design.