Picture: Supplied
As the festive season draws near, shoppers are flocking to stores, eager to find the perfect Christmas décor to adorn their homes.
Many of these shoppers are now embracing the spirit of a truly South African Christmas – characterised by sunny days by the pool and al fresco dining. As a result, they’re seeking out African-inspired décor to add to their Christmas trees, crafted by local artisans who understand what makes our festive season so unique – such as Mo’s Crib Founded in 2016 by sisters Morongwe “Mo” and Michelle Mokone , Mo’s Crib is a homeware design company specialising in recycled and handmade décor with a uniquely South African look and feel.
The company has been a supplier to Woolworths since 2020, and their handwoven wall art, placemats and laundry baskets form an integral part of the Woolworths Spring/Summer 2024 Africa Collection homeware range. With Woolworths having long established itself as the country’s one-stop-shop for Christmas entertaining, the retailer has expanded the Africa Collection to include Christmas décor, with Mo’s Crib’s handcrafted ornaments front and centre.
Shoppers can combine the best of traditional and local by opting for a Mo’s Crib Beaded Candy Cane and red Beaded Bauble, or go all in on the Mzanzi aesthetic with a Handwoven Bell ornament that celebrates local heritage and weaving traditions.
And, while these gorgeous ornaments are guaranteed to make a statement all on their own, the story behind their creation and the Mo’s Crib business journey is as heartwarming as any good Christmas tale.
Empowering lives, preserving heritage
Mo and Michelle founded their business with the goal of making a tangible difference in their community – a difference that would be felt by generations to come.
Almost a decade on from their inception, the sisters have delivered on this initial promise, employing a predominantly female workforce of over 100. But their impact goes far beyond job creation, as Mo’s Crib embraces the principles of truly holistic support, offering their employees two full meals a day, transport subsidies, free medical consultations and even lodging for those in need.
Recognising the significant educational barriers faced by many vulnerable South Africans, the company also offers skill-building opportunities, focusing on literacy through an in-house library.
Their commitment to handcrafted local production is not merely a marketing tactic, but rather Mo’s Crib’s way of ensuring that their principles of preserving traditional techniques, job creation and reducing the company’s carbon footprint are upheld.
Mo’s Crib is proof that a business can succeed without compromising on integrity, having grown to become one of largest craft exporters on the African continent.
