MzansiStore

We are an eMarketplace with a difference. We provide local South African creative designers with a shop front where they can showcase their entire product range. We give them the tools and e-Commerce training they need to make their business a success. We also promote our brands on our social media, on our blog, newsletters etc.

MzansiStore.com was founded by Deidré Luzmore in September of 2012. She is fiercely proud to be a South African and a true local-loving loyal. Deidré started MzansiStore.com after she noticed the need for small scale producers of quality handcrafted products to expand their brand to markets beyond their local street, local community or local crafters market. Her only wish is to increase sales for each of the small businesses that list with MzansiStore.com.

What does Mzansi mean?

Mzansi is an example of a rare occurrence in South African linguistics. It means “South Africa” in both Zulu and isiXhosa. As such, Mzansi (pronounced: m-zun-zee) is a popular slang word for South Africa or to be proudly South African.

Why #HandmadeInSA?

By now you have probably seen our love (or obsession – we aren’t quite sure yet!) for the hashtag #HandmadeInSA. #HandmadeInSA started in October of 2013 when we wanted to distinguish ourselves from the other eMarketplaces in South Africa. How are we different? All our products are made and manufactured in South Africa and we wanted a way to communicate that to you, our local-loving loyal (yes, that’s a thing now too!). Hence #HandmadeInSA was born.

What is @WDC2014?

We were chosen by the World Design Capital Cape Town 2014 to be one of their official projects. They designated MzansiStore.com as a “Lifestyle Enhancer” and recognise that MzansiStore.com bridges the gap between technology and creativity for small creative businesses in South Africa. Our official project number is 516 hence the hashtag #WDC516 and @WDC2014 the official Hashtag of the World Design Capital campaign.

Who is Deidre Luzmore?

Deidré Luzmore is the founder and developer of MzansiStore.com. She is fiercely proud to be a South African and a true local-loving loyal. Deidré started MzansiStore.com after she noticed the need for small scale producers of quality handcrafted products to expand their brand to markets beyond their local street, local community or local crafters market. Her only wish is to increase sales for each of the small businesses that list with Mzansi Store.com.

She has completed her Masters Dissertation research project which is the final requirement of a MSc Responsible Tourism Management from Leeds Metropolitan University in the UK. This course is led by the ICRT - The International Centre for Responsible Tourism based at LeedsMet. Here her professors Dr. Harold Goodwin, Dr Xavier Font and Simon Woodward have instilled in her the commitment to Responsible Tourism and a desire to make a difference.