Our Story

 "Everyone can rise above their circumstances and achieve success if they are dedicated to and passionate about what they do."   – President Nelson Mandela

 SUSTAINABLE  |  FAIR TRADE  |  HANDMADE  |  WOMEN OWNED  |  ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY

At KOLUNTU, we celebrate the wonders of Africa – the vibrant landscapes, the tenacity of our people, and the endless wealth of natural resources. Every item in our collection is a unique piece of Africa, touched by Native Africans. KOLUNTU empowers talented, hard-working individuals by sharing their handcrafts and their uplifting stories with mindful, global citizens who appreciate the beauty and design of these works of art, as well as the integrity and culture woven into each piece.

 Our love of indigenous materials locally sourced and crafted by the hands of our community evolved into a collection of wearable art made from ostrich skin and feathers, and the purest, most sustainable Mohair wool in the world.

 Become a part of KOLUNTU.

 KOLUNTU means “community” in Xhosa, a national language of South Africa. We are dedicated to creating a global community by connecting ethical consumers to the gorgeous, one-of-a-kind products handcrafted by local artisans. We are committed to aesthetics, design, and quality and that each glamorous piece of Africa you see in our collection is produced using only sustainably sourced materials.  Our logo is a symbolic representation of a Kalinga Doll, which connects Heaven (our ancestors) with Earth (us), a bridge between the past and present.

We source all products in South Africa from like-minded organizations who live by the Fair Trade principles and can trace all materials to ensure they are sustainably farmed and ethically sourced. Additionally, we and our suppliers apply all Fair Trade principles including, payment of a fair price, ensuring no child/forced labor, good working conditions, and the promotion of Fair Trade.

 We hope you will be proud to wear something that is both alluring and fairly made. When you purchase a piece from our collection, you make a difference in the lives of women and their children and become a part of our community. Welcome to KOLUNTU.

 If you have any questions regarding our commitment to Fair Trade and sustainability practices, please contact nicci@koluntu.com              

fair trade principles    

We are often asked about the “materials” we use to produce our beautiful handmade accessories.  KOLUNTU is committed to sourcing only environmentally friendly, sustainable and ethical; feathers, leathers and hides.
Our suppliers adhere to all international standards in relation to farming practices, processing, export requirements, biodiversity management, bio-security, and the humane treatment of ostriches, as prescribed by the industry’s code of conduct and regulations.  Since 1945 they have accumulated a wealth of knowledge and now represent more than 800 farmer members and are the biggest supplier of ostrich leather in the world.

SUSTAINABLE FARMING AND ANIMAL WELFARE
THE FIVE FREEDOMS OF OUR FARMING PRACTICE
The five freedoms are part of the good farming practice to ensure animal welfare and cruelty-free farming:

  • Freedom from thirst, hunger, and malnutrition.
  • Freedom from discomfort.
  • Freedom from pain, injury, and disease.
  • Freedom from fear and distress.
  • Freedom to express normal behavior.

NOURISHED TO FLOURISH
Ostriches are fed on pastures such as wheat, alfalfa, and alfalfa hay as well as energy and protein supplements to ensure a balanced ration. This includes energy sources such as maize, barley, oats; protein sources such as soya and canola; and roughage such as bran.

  • Vitamins and minerals are also added.
  • No animal protein sources are used and no growth stimulants are administered.
  • The meat is free of any systematically administered antibiotics.

 
ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY FARMING
The ostrich being indigenous to the Karoo prefers a hot, arid climate. A sign that the ostriches are thriving is that they breed very well, one hen can lay 40-60 eggs per season.  The biggest part of the ostrich’s diet is Lucerne, which grows profusely in this region, and the gravelly soil contains all the stones needed; which the bird swallows to use as ‘choppers’ to grind its food.  Its digestive system has the huge environmental advantage of producing much less methane gas than other livestock.  Ostriches are also much more efficient at converting their feed into live weight than other livestock.  They grow quickly which is the key to their survival out on the savannah; the quicker they grow the quicker they can run, and escape predators.
 
SAFETY AND TRACEABILITY
All ostriches have individual official tags for traceability back to the farm. The birds are transported live to the processing facility which is designed to comply with relevant animal health, abattoir hygiene, and process and facility directives.  Our suppliers have annual external audits to ensure that their products and processes are of the highest safety and quality, along with ethical production practice that respects both the animal welfare and the environment.