Souvenirs:

Support our local businesses

April 2023 | Judith

When traveling, we always want to leave the country with souvenirs as a memory. Something that reminds us of the country and takes us back to that moment in time. But you also want to find something that is useful and doesn’t end up in the back of your cabinet.

South Africa is a country that has lots of entrepreneurs. People that started their own clothing line, make their own furniture or selling homemade food. During Corona there have been more entrepreneurs than ever before. People that lost their job started to make their own products to generate an income.

Now more than ever it is so important to support the local communities, local projects and local businesses. As the president of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa, has mentioned before: “We call on every South African to contribute to our recovery effort by choosing to buy local goods and support local businesses. This is one way that every one of us can contribute to building a new economy.”

The big brands, you will find anywhere in the world but you could choose to support local businesses instead. Sometimes the local products are more pricey than bigger brands. But this price includes the local labor, a high quality product, and support of the local community. Cyril Ramaphosa mentioned the following about qualtiy: “When you look at local manufacturing there is a misconception that our quality is not comparative with world standards that is a complete myth. The quality of clothing that gets manufactured in South Africa ranks amongst the best globally.”

When buying something local, you have a great impact on the locals and you will know that your money is going to the right place. And do not forget, you have something special to take home, reminding you of South Africa.

Some of our favoruite local brands:

  • Home accessories: Carole Nevin and Nested the Collective.
  • Clothing: Bathini Design, Addo African Clothes, Desray, Ellasol, Goodclothing, and Mareth and Colleen.
  • Children toys: Colour me kids, _doughrayme, Origins Publishers, Willow, and Roo, Mauss.
  • Jewellery: Pichulik, Elizabeth Morr, Dear Ray, Lichen&Lief and Spirit Jewelry.
  • Furniture: Eco Furniture Design and Woodbender.

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Judith

Written by
Judith van de Laar-Elukpo

Even though I have lived in South Africa for years and have made several trips, I continue to discover new places. South Africa has so many beautiful destinations, including highlights such as Kruger, Garden Route and Cape Town. But South Africa has so much more to offer!