In short Bundu Designs is Africa inspired. As South African's living in North America, we've grown tired of the stereotypes that present Africa as tragic or, at best, exotic. So we seek out the new, the inspired and the innovative Africa. Founded in 2007 by social entrepreneurs Colleen and Cliff Thompson. The Thompson's have both been involved in design and social upliftment for many years. Cliff as an advertising creative director and Colleen as a journalist and environmentalist. With a strong desire to show the pioneering design work coming out of Africa, they created Bundu Designs, believing passionately that lives could be changed by design.
Bundu Designs has clear objectives to seek out innovative products rooted in tradition but valued within contemporary society that epitomises the passionate African energy, vibrancy and soul. Rooted in all of this and as part of our business ethos, we seek only to work with projects that support economically disadvantaged and marginalized southern African communities.
We don't believe in pity purchases. We support projects whose goal is geared towards financial independence, engendering a culture of respect and self-sufficiency. The purchase of any of our products creates sustainable employment opportunities and provides economic security through regular employment and patronage. The growth of our partner projects is driven by trade not aid and market demand rather than donor appeasement.
