Meet this week’s #AbsaSmallBizFriday featured business – Ambesha Africa.
Trudy Maleka is the owner of Ambesha Africa – a South African company that creates sustainable, eco-friendly patio furniture using locally sourced materials while also repairing existing pieces to extend their lifespan. Her business journey is deeply rooted in her childhood experiences and passion for African craft.
Growing up in Mpumalanga, she was fascinated by her grandmother’s skill in creating beautiful seagrass mats. From as early as six years old, she would often imitate her grandmother weaving seagrass mats, and this early exposure sparked a lifelong passion for design and craftsmanship.
As she grew older, her interest in business evolved and led her to pursue a National Diploma in Marketing and later a Postgraduate in Business Management. Her educational journey provided a solid foundation for understanding the business world and equipped her with the skills to turn her passion into a successful venture.
In 2016, She leapt and founded Ambesha Africa, a company that embodies her passion for African craft and her commitment to sustainability. The name ‘Ambesha’ means ‘to dress or decorate,’ reflecting her mission to create pieces that not only beautify spaces but also contribute to a more environmentally conscious lifestyle. The company has demonstrated a remarkable ability to scale and expand its operations from its humble beginnings in a six-meter container with two employees to now a 500 sqm workshop with 15 employees that contributes to 72 direct beneficiaries and is still committed to growth.
Throughout her journey, she has been driven by a desire to showcase the beauty of African design, support local artisans, and make a positive impact on the environment.
Her recent MBA graduation has further empowered her to navigate the business landscape and stay true to her vision. Today, as the founder of Ambesha Africa, She is proud of the progress they’ve made and excited for the future. Her personal business journey is a testament to the power of passion, hard work, and continuous learning.
Trudie’s journey has shaped her as an individual and her business. She has learnt resilience and adaptability through overcoming the inevitable challenges of entrepreneurship. Her passion for African design and sustainability has only grown stronger, driving her to continuously innovate and improve her business and ideas. Finally, she has learnt the value of building strong relationships with local creatives, customers, and partners.
Ambesha Africa’s greatest success is the positive impact they have had on the environment and local communities. This has been achieved through creating a business model that prioritises eco-friendliness and social responsibility. They have empowered their employees and communities by providing skills training and dealing in fair trade practices. They have developed innovative, high-quality products that showcase African design and craftsmanship and built a loyal customer base that shares their values and supports their mission.
In 2024, their hard work and dedication were recognised through being the first runner-up for the Hloolo Awards 2024 and a finalist for the Nedbank Business Ignite Award 2024. These awards are a testament to their continued commitment to excellence and social responsibility and to make a positive difference in the world.
Looking ahead, Trudy envisions expanding Ambesha Africa’s product line and increasing their impact on local communities through continued fair trade practices and skills training. She wants to build strategic partnerships to amplify her reach and influence. Finally, she wants to become a leading brand in sustainable African design recognised globally for its commitment to social responsibility and environmental stewardship.
Trudy Maleka’s journey has prepared her for this future, and she is excited to continue growing and making a positive impact.
Ambesha Africa is a proudly South African patio furniture manufacturer and repairer dedicated to sustainability. They craft high-quality, eco-friendly furniture pieces using locally sourced materials and innovative techniques that minimise waste. In addition to creating new pieces, they also specialise in repairing existing furniture to extend its lifespan and reduce the environmental impact of disposal. Their goal is to promote a circular economy and help their clients create a more sustainable future.
In 2024 Ambesha Africa received the National Small Business Champion Award at the South African Small Business Awards – this prestigious awards programme celebrates the most outstanding businesses and the exceptional business people behind these successful and growing businesses.
We look forward to seeing Trudy and her business continue to grow in the future.
Discover more inspiring #AbsaSmallBizFriday small business success stories here.