Last Sunday was hot as hell and it was the perfect day to spend at the extravagant NIROX Sculpture Park. Even better that there were all kinds of treats in store. Capitec, one of South Africa’s leading digital banks, partnered with handmadeAFRICA to introduce a new boutique retail experience. This collaboration shows the finest pan-African design, emphasizing ethical and sustainable craftsmanship. By integrating with prominent annual events across the country, Capitec handmadeAFRICA is set to bring a luxury design element to each of their happenings.
As it stands, Capitec is one of South Africa’s largest retail banks, with over 22 million active clients. Other than it doing its best to provide personalized banking solutions, business tools, and financial products that empower African individuals and enterprises to thrive.Through initiatives like handmadeAFRICA, Capitec hopes to continue to promote entrepreneurship and foster African creativity, ensuring sustainable growth for future generations.
Asha Patel, Head of Brand and Communications at Capitec, shared, “We believe in the power of African creativity and entrepreneurship. This collaboration enables us to highlight exceptional talent across the continent. Supporting these creators is both a celebration of cultural heritage and an investment in Africa’s economic future. … Our partnership with handmadeAFRICA aligns with our commitment to empowering small businesses, which are essential to South Africa’s economy. By offering tools and platforms that prioritize their growth, we aim to foster entrepreneurship, especially within the creative sector.”
The well attended event on Sunday featured products from exciting designers like LRNCE, a lifestyle brand based in Marrakesh, specializing in interior décor and accessories. Other brands included Adele Dejak, BAM Collective, Neimil, and many others. Ranging from fashion, accessories, home décor, and beauty products, the products on view were stunning and showcased superb craftsmanship. It was hard to walk away without snagging a piece, which I would have done were it not for the sophisticated prices which deleted my empty pockets.
Everybody likes nice things! While it is possible to shop all kinds of things online, there was something quite special about seeing all these beautiful products, made all over the continent, under one umbrella. Garreth van Niekerk, Creative Director of handmadeAFRICA, explained that the platform offers access to collectable pieces from across the continent, including Accra, Dakar, Nairobi, and Cape Town. “We’re moving beyond the limitations of online platforms by offering an immersive, tactile shopping experience,” he noted.
Van Niekerk emphasized that the core mission of handmadeAFRICA is to foster direct connections between makers and markets across the continent. “Our goal is to reduce barriers to market access, alleviating the financial burdens that often prevent creators from reaching new audiences.” Van Niekerk added that the initiative also tackles logistical challenges for small businesses by managing cross-border transactions and easing market entry. “By doing so, we help uncover new talent and nurture emerging creators,” he explained.
Ending with an explosive performance by the legendary South African band Bongo Maffin, sans Thandiswa Mazwai, the day was a splendid example of the oodles of creativity that is always at our doorstep. Whether you are a culture vulture or you just like nice things, watch out for these events. Unlike conventional fairs held at a fixed venue, Capitec handmadeAFRICA will travel to various cities and towns, bringing a curated selection of contemporary design closer to local audiences. The next appearance will be in Rosebank at Oxford Parks from 28 – 30 November.
