Trudy Maleka – Ambesha Africa
Emerging Business Entrepreneur of the Year
“My furniture-making journey started when I was six years old and I would imitate my grandmother making seagrass mats,” says Trudy Maleka. “That was where my passion for craft and design started.”
Today Trudy’s passion, talent and business acumen find expression in Ambesha Africa, the business she started in 2016 and that now employs four full-time and four part-time employees at its factory in Midrand, Gauteng.
Taking its name from the Xitsonga word that means to decorate or clothe, Ambesha Africa is a proudly South African brand that specialises in manufacturing and repairing outdoor and patio furniture and décor accessories. But there is much more to the business than this simple summary, explains Trudy.
“All our products are handmade, one piece at a time, according to the client’s specifications – from design to fabric colour. Nothing makes us happier than seeing a piece fitting perfectly into a client’s home, business or office.”
Not only do Trudy’s team make the furniture; they also manufacture the wicker material from which it is made. Known as synthetic cane, the material is highly customisable, low on maintenance, affordable and mould resistant.
Complete control of the entire manufacturing process is a major reason for the excellent reputation Ambesha Africa has built among its customers for quality workmanship, reliability and customer service that exceeds expectations. “We are a great alternative to other furniture companies because we customise, design, manufacture and offer aftercare services. You can still come back to us a few years down the line to have your furniture refurbished!”
Ambesha Africa’s customers include the hospitality industry, home decorators, retailers, homeowners as well as commercial premises. Marketing is done mostly through online platforms and every order is delivered to the client’s home or business site.
Trudy is an unashamedly proud South African, and is delighted that Ambesha Africa is a member of the Proudly South African campaign. “The objectives of Proudly South African are in direct alignment with what we try to achieve in our day-to-day business operation. We are proud to contribute to the growth of our economy and the creation of jobs. Our clients know that when they buy from us, they contribute to our economy.”