Craig Jacobs founded Fundudzi in 2004 with a commitment to mentoring young talent and celebrating Africa’s tradition of handicraft while embracing a modern aesthetic. Jacob named the brand after Lake Fundudzi, which is a sacred place for the vhaVenda people in the Soutpansberg mountain range in northern Limpopo Province. He sees his line of clothing as rising out of the soil of Africa like the sacred lake, which is on track to be named a national heritage site. He works to change people’s perception of Africa through a positive message about its indigenous cultures. The business also allows communities across Africa to establish sustainable businesses around their traditional crafts.
Jacobs began his career as a journalist. He studied media and sociology in Sydney at the University of Technology. He promoted South African fashion on a fashion lifestyle program, Fashion Avenue with Jodie Kidd. He still sees his primary role is as a communicator, but he uses not only words but also clothing to transmit his message. He continues to write a column in the Lifestyle section of the Sunday Times (South Africa).
FOLLOW:
Website: http://fundudzi.com/
Instagram: @craigbjacobs
Facebook: Fundudzi by Craig Jacob: clothing with a conscience
Twitter: @FUNDUDZI
photo credit: Simon Deiner / SDR Photo
Fashions of Southern Africa 