Zetu’s iFele Sandles

PHOTOS Nicholas Billington  STYLING Derrick Mhlongo  WORDS Ann Ellis Brown

Zetu’s iFele sandals are now sold at Made in SA gift shops.

“I look for courage in design and get excited when I see a ‘new take’ that is innovative, aesthetically appealing and commercially viable,” says Maureen Waldeck, brand manager for Made in SA gift shop Gauteng, which showcases a broad spectrum of creative and iconic South African merchandise.

Maureen searches for products that “form part of culture and not just commerce, where design is considered and supply is sustainable”.  The latest addition to her inventory is the iFele range of sandals, which is produced by Reggi Xaba’s footwear design and manufacturing company Zetu.

Reggi explains: “iFele sandals are a reinterpretation of izimbadada [traditional Zulu sandals made of recycled tyre tread] using modern shoe-making methods and materials for comfort and practicality. The sandals are made of leather and decorated by hand. They are crafted for African travellers with a modern twist in design to suit the tastes of urban nomads.”

Reggi has been instrumental in shaping the men’s footwear industry in South Africa, having worked with Bata, Woolworths and Truworths as well as launching Carducci, C Squared, Viyella and Democratic Republic collections. He brings that experience and design flair to bear on his iFele and Black Oliver ranges, adding a significant skills-development component through a partnership with umFolozi College in Richard’s Bay to train unemployed women and youth in footwear production.

Four iFele designs will be stocked alongside other South African brands like Skinny laMinx, Africology and Pedersen + Lennard at the Made in SA store in Sandton City.

“A well-designed item should surprise and delight, be expressive yet practical, be intuitive yet clever, and appeal to both the local and international customer,” says Maureen. “iFele designs tick all these boxes!”