There’s a distinct feel-good factor in buying art and crafts when you know something about its creators. That’s why we are featuring some of the artists whose work can be purchased at Cape Grace.

Today it’s the turn of Zizamele Ceramics, whose beautiful Bambanani Bowls are part of the Africa Nova collection at Cape Grace.  Bambanani means “friendship” in isiXhosa and around the edge of the bowls African ladies (some with babies on backs) hold hands in a circle of unity. Clothed in traditional dress, or more demurely all in white, they are fashioned by a group of ladies and one gent in Masiphumelele at the Zizamele workshop, under the guidance and business management of ceramicist Toni Burton.

What started as an educational project to upskill the local unemployed, is now an SMME supplying some of the finest shops in Africa, Europe and even America, and of course Cape Grace through Africa Nova. It hasn’t been easy though and success is not a given, even with products as popular as theirs and awards for innovation and design.

So, when you buy a Zizamele ceramic, you can do so knowing that you are making a difference to the welfare of several families in Masiphumelele, who would not have a livelihood without you.

Find more of their work at Africa Nova, in the Cape Quarter at 72 Waterkant Street, Greenpoint or email them.