Our Mission
Zola was born through years and years of accumulative dreaming.
Hi! I'm Emma, the dreamer of Zola and lover of all things South African. I was born and bred in the Cedarberg in South Africa and went on the to study medicine at UCT. I've always loved making and designing clothes for every and any occasion, but for many reasons I think medicine is the reason I am starting Zola today. Meeting hundreds of South Africans from all over the country inspired me to start a label that would grow and evolve to include as many South Africans as possible and support our local economy.
Zola is a dream of a South African future where unemployment no longer exists. A dream where all employees are respected in the workplace. Zola is a dream of slow fashion, going back to basics, having fun and looking after our planet again. And this is how we will do it:
1. We know who made our clothes
Zola the label Basics have been made at the Sewing Cafe in Masiphumelele. The Sewing Café is a CMT in Masiphumelele and is focused on community and upliftment. They continue to train unskilled and unemployed people from Masi and Ocean View to sew, draft patterns, etc. and alsonoffer their space as a hub where entrepreneurs can start their business journeys. They also provide afternoon sewing classes for Masiphumelele High School children. Thus, by supporting Zola, you know your clothes have been made in a safe space by people who are fully supported and paid fair wage.
2. We are supporting the local economy
Today’s world and economy is one of jobless growth, outsourcing and cut- throat competition. Mass global trade has exponentially widened the gap between the rich and the poor. Because of this we want to be a part of the resistance and start rebuilding our local economy. This means giving back economic activity to small and medium sized businesses instead of concentrating it in fewer and fewer mega- corporations.
Unemployment in South Africa is currently sitting at a shocking 32.6%. By supporting local businesses- you allow these businesses to grow and employ more and more South Africans to do purposeful work- like The Sewing Cafe.