Baskets are not merely functional items; they are a celebration of culture, a form of storytelling, and a medium for social commentary. Bambizulu is a South African organisation that produces high quality woven products that are not harmful to the environment. The intention of the organisation is to minimise the number of intermediaries between the artist and the final buyer, ensuring the sale value flows directly to the artist. According to the website, “The sustainability of Zulu basketry and African craft business and preservation of the cultural or traditional craft arts is a vital aspect  that contributes to the global and our country’s movement towards a greener environment.” We chatted to Bambizulu founder Sinegugu Ngxongo about her organisation:

Can you tell us a bit about yourself and what inspired you to start Bambizulu?

I am Sinegugu Ngxongo, a creator deeply rooted in my Zulu heritage and a passionate advocate for mental health. Bambizulu was born from a desire to connect my cultural heritage with contemporary design, celebrating the traditional artistry of Zulu basket weaving while giving it a modern twist.

The brand represents not just my creative journey, but also a collective vision to elevate African craft to the global stage, promoting cultural pride and economic empowerment for the artisans I work with. Bambizulu’s inspiration came from a blend of my upbringing surrounded by strong, artistic women and my own need to find grounding and healing through creative expression.

Sinegugu Ngxongo wIth her grandmother, the masterweaver Beauty Ngxongo

Tell us about the significance of Zulu basketry and how you first learnt about basket weaving?

Zulu basketry holds deep cultural significance as a form of storytelling, symbolism, and community connection. Each pattern and weave tell a story, often reflecting the weaver’s experiences, dreams, or messages of hope and resilience. I learned the art of basket weaving from my grandmother, Beauty Ngxongo, who taught me the techniques and the importance of preserving our cultural heritage.

For the Zulu people, weaving is not just a craft; it’s a spiritual practice, a way to connect with our ancestors and honour our traditions. The time-honoured skill of weaving was passed down through generations in my family, and it became a way for me to find solace and mindfulness, weaving together stories of our past while creating a vision for our future.

Tell us about the artists you work with and how you connected with them.

Bambizulu collaborates with talented artisans, mostly women from rural areas in KwaZulu-Natal. Many of these connections were formed organically, through shared community ties and a mutual passion for preserving our craft. Each artist brings their own style, story, and skill set to the work, which adds richness to our creations. Some of these artisans were introduced to me through community weaving projects and others through personal recommendations. We have developed a strong, familial bond over time, creating not just beautiful works of art, but also opportunities for economic empowerment and cultural preservation.

What influences the colour, shape, pattern, and naming of your woven baskets?

Our designs are deeply influenced by the natural landscapes, vibrant cultures, and rich histories of the Zulu people. The shapes often draw inspiration from traditional vessels used for water, grain, and beer, while the patterns are derived from nature and the stories we want to tell. The colours are primarily achieved through natural dyes, a practice that is both sustainable and respectful of the environment. The naming of each basket is a significant process; it often reflects the inspiration behind the piece, the message it conveys, or honours someone special within our community or history.

Can you describe the basket-making process and how long it typically takes?

The basket-making process is meticulous and requires a great deal of patience and skill. It begins with harvesting and preparing materials, which involves stripping ilala palm leaves and dyeing them using natural pigments. Weaving itself is done entirely by hand and depending on the complexity of the design and size of the basket, it can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks. The rhythm of weaving, stitch by stitch, is akin to meditation, where the artisan connects with the material, the craft, and her own inner world.

Tell us more about the materials used to weave baskets.

We primarily use ilala palm, a material native to KwaZulu-Natal, which is sustainably harvested to ensure the longevity of the craft and the environment. Harvesting is done by hand, usually by the artisans who weaves the baskets, and is done with deep respect for the environment, selecting only the mature leaves to allow for regrowth. The leaves are sun-dried and then dyed using natural plant-based materials, such as roots, berries, and bark. These methods have been passed down through generations, and we continue to use them to maintain the authenticity and sustainability of our craft.

How is Bambizulu preserving these skills and techniques for future generations?

At Bambizulu, we are deeply committed to preserving these ancient techniques by investing in the training and development of young artisan through our NPO Edna’s Hope named after my late aunt Edna Ngxongo. Currently we are training pupils from a special school in Hlabisa. We host workshops and weaving retreats, where experienced weavers pass on their skills to younger generations. We also document our techniques and stories to ensure that they remain accessible to future generations. Our upcoming retreat in Zululand will be next year 2025 and is designed to be both a cultural exchange and a training opportunity, blending traditional practices with new approaches to keep the craft alive and evolving.

What does sustainability mean to you? How do you incorporate it into your creations?

Sustainability, for me, is about honouring the earth and our heritage. It means creating products that respect the environment, uplift communities, and maintain cultural integrity. At Bambizulu, we use natural, locally sourced materials, practice ethical harvesting methods, and employ eco-friendly dyeing techniques. Our goal is to ensure that every step of our process, from sourcing materials to crafting and shipping, supports the well-being of the planet and the people who inhabit it.

What is one key thing you have learnt from the art of Zulu basketry and running Bambizulu?

One key lesson I have learned is the power of resilience and the importance of intention. The art of Zulu basketry teaches patience and mindfulness, as each stitch is a commitment to the process and to the story it holds. Running Bambizulu has taught me that authenticity, rooted in our heritage and beliefs, is what truly resonates with people and creates a meaningful impact. It has also shown me the power of community and collaboration in bringing dreams to life.

• To find out more about BAMBIZULU checkout their website
• First image sourced from website the rest of the images supplied