Uzwelo
A word from Uzwelo
"Real change is hard, and change in South Africa is no exception. Crime, poverty, corruption, litter, poaching, mindsets, speedo’s… The need for change is everywhere but maybe one of the reasons it isn’t happening fast enough is because we don’t always believe we can help.
Uzwelo decided to change that, and focus on what we can do instead of what we can’t.
We asked ourselves what our beautiful country could look like if we worked together, building opportunities not just for ourselves, but for those around us and their communities. We dreamed and spoke about how lives could change, how families could be empowered and how communities could be uplifted and brought out of poverty through skill development, entrepreneurship, education and giving people real hope. We looked at our own lives, businesses and communities and slowly, an idea dawned…
What if we used our waste fabric that normally goes into landfills to make functional, stylish and affordable bags of all shapes and sizes? And what if we trained people to make them, in their communities as an entrepreneurial opportunity? And what if some of those profits went into supporting and environmental non-profit already doing good work? It almost seemed too good to be true, but we had to try. The desire and need for change, however daunting, was too big.
Through the support, expertise and insight of those around us who wanted to be a part of making SA a better place, our vision started to take shape. We prototyped bag designs, engaged non-profits and communities, explored skills development programs and encountered local heroes of positive change. Stories of hope and opportunity to make a real difference became a daily experience."
Uzwelo is armed for change with a range of unique and truly South African bags
that are fashionable, durable and cater for every aspect of South African life from fashion to shopping, travel to work, sport and school.