Thohoyandou jewellery designer builds purpose-driven brand
Malaika Craft founder Tondani shares her journey of building a jewellery brand rooted in creativity, culture and consistency.
LIMPOPO – “I always wanted to be the best jewellery designer in South Africa.”
These are the inspiring words of Tondani Ingrid Mukondeleli Mukhodobwane from Thohoyandou, the founder and owner of Malaika Craft.
Mukhodobwane said her journey into jewellery design was driven by a deep-rooted love for arts and crafts, a passion she has carried for as long as she can remember.
“I have always loved making beautiful things with my hands,” she said. “I have enjoyed every moment of the journey, and it has been rewarding in many ways beyond just generating an income. Through this journey, I have managed to conquer my social phobia, as I now interact with different customers regularly.”
She explained that the name Malaika is derived from a Swahili name her mother often calls her by: “It means ‘angel’, and I identify with it because it reminds me of my purpose on earth, which is to share the beautiful work of my hands with the masses,” she said.
“My secret to success is constantly and consistently showing up, even when it feels like nothing is working.”
Mukhodobwane said her business specialises in creating afrocentric, earthy, spiritual and environmentally friendly accessories that are bold and unique.
“My goal is to grow my business into a large and exceptional brand,” she said. I envision collaborating with well-known fashion designers and accessorising models at fashion shows. I believe I am still yet to achieve greater things.”
She draws inspiration from her forebears, whom she regards as the true pioneers of arts and crafts.
“They created crafts that touched and healed people. I wanted to do the same, and that is why I started my own craft business,” she said.
Mukhodobwane is currently pursuing a degree in environmental sciences, specialising in disaster risk reduction, at the University of Venda.
