Ballito’s Catherine Wanjohi is not just making clothes – she is weaving stories of African heritage into every stitch.

With bold designs and a commitment to sustainability, her label, Zinge Afrika, fuses tradition with contemporary flair, turning everyday fashion into a cultural statement.

Originally from Kenya, Catherine’s journey into the world of fashion began in a humble space, her kitchen table. After having three children and struggling with post-pregnancy clothes, Catherine turned discarded materials into earrings, necklaces and bangles.

“As I worked, a pattern emerged. Each item told a story about Africa – through its fabrics, tribal influences and cultural elements,” she said.

The turning point came when her housekeeper, Mvuse Zulu, inspired the brand’s name.

“I asked her how to say ‘all about Africa’ in Zulu. Without hesitation, she said, ‘Zinge Afrika’. That moment sparked the birth of my label,” Catherine recalled.

In 2016, a year after moving to Ballito, she launched Zinge Afrika from her garage.

“The designs of Zinge Afrika are a harmonious fusion of various African styles, achieved through an understanding of the continent’s diverse traditional attire. Each garment carries deep meanings, reflecting the wearer’s social standing and age group within their community,” she said.

Zinge Afrika quickly gained recognition, featuring in high-profile events like the Miss Ballito Red Carpet, Miss SA finalist fashion show, Durban July and international pageants.

“With so many South Africans competing globally, we have had the privilege of crafting intricate, statement pieces,” she said.

A standout moment for Catherine was showcasing a personal creation at Miss Ballito 2023.

“It embodied everything Zinge Afrika represents and later won the Ballito Pro 2023 ‘From Trash to Fashion’ competition – making it even more special.”

The sustainable fashion brand’s dedication to reducing waste and minimising its carbon footprint has inspired the creation of bags made from discarded coffee packets.

“We noticed how popular coffee is in Ballito and how coffee packets often end up scattered everywhere. To tackle this waste, we have started blending these coffee bags with our fabric offcuts to create a variety of bags, including cooler bags, shopping/picnic bags, backpacks, and more.”

Catherine also trains underprivileged artisans who already have existing skills, helping them refine their craft and elevate their products.

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