- Handmade in Gugulethu · Free delivery in South Africa over R1 500
Co-founder & Inspirator
A former flight attendant, Thuleka drew inspiration from her travels across West Africa, where she discovered the region’s vibrant textiles and artistry.
Master leather craftsman.
Trained in Ghana in premium leather craftsmanship, Abass brought his skill home to a Cape Town township and now teaches it to the next generation.
Co-founder & designer
A former flight attendant, Thuleka drew inspiration from her travels across West Africa, where she discovered the region's vibrant textiles and artistry.
In the heart of Gugulethu, a township in Cape Town renowned for its resilience, entrepreneurial spirit and rich cultural heritage, ATG EKASI was born. More than a brand producing handcrafted bags and accessories, it is a social enterprise that proves commercial success and community impact can go hand in hand. Every product tells a story of craftsmanship, opportunity and the belief that business should create lasting value for the people it serves.
Founded in 2014 by Abass Maazu and Thuleka Duke, ATG EKASI was established with a clear mission: to showcase African craftsmanship while creating meaningful employment opportunities in Gugulethu. Rather than moving production to low-cost countries, the founders chose to invest in local talent, preserve traditional skills and strengthen their own community.
Abass Maazu developed his expertise in leather craftsmanship through specialised training in Ghana, mastering the techniques of producing premium handcrafted leather goods. Thuleka Duke, a former flight attendant, drew inspiration from her travels across West Africa, where she discovered the region’s vibrant textiles, artistry and cultural heritage. Together, they created a brand that combines authentic African design, exceptional quality and social impact.
Today, ATG EKASI produces luxury handbags, backpacks, travel bags, laptop sleeves, shoes, clothing and accessories. Each item is handcrafted from premium leather combined with distinctive African fabrics sourced from South Africa and Ghana,
reflecting both timeless craftsmanship and contemporary African design. The company’s greatest strength lies in its people. ATG EKASI works closely with local leather artisans, tailors and craftspeople, ensuring traditional skills are passed on to younger generations while creating sustainable employment and entrepreneurial opportunities. For many employees, working at ATG EKASI means far more than earning an income. It provides dignity, personal growth, stability and hope for the future.
The founders also aspire to establish a training centre where young people can learn leather craftsmanship free of charge and eventually start businesses of their own.
ATG EKASI’s vision has attracted support from leading organisations, including the Cape Town Fashion Council, the Cape Craft & Design Institute (CCDI) and the Small Business Academy at the University of Stellenbosch Business School, providing business coaching, professional development and valuable industry networks.
The company has gained international recognition through exhibitions at Design Indaba, Africa’s premier design festival, and through its products being sold at the renowned Pan African Market on Long Street in Cape Town. Its entrepreneurial success has been recognised with the Business with the Most Potential Award, while the founders also received formal recognition from the Parliament of the Western Cape for their contribution to entrepreneurship and job creation.Their story has been featured in respected publications including News24/TrueLove Magazine, VISI Magazine and Good Things Guy. Today, ATG EKASI serves customers well beyond South Africa, including clients in Spain and the United Kingdom, while also reaching thousands of international visitors to Cape Town.
Despite its growing international presence, the company’s mission remains unchanged: creating opportunities through African craftsmanship and investing in the community where it all began. ATG EKASI demonstrates that business success extends beyond financial performance. Every handcrafted product represents skilled artisans, meaningful employment and renewed opportunities for local families. By preserving traditional craftsmanship, reaching international markets and continuously investing in people, Abass Maazu and Thuleka Duke are building a future in which African talent is recognised worldwide and business becomes a catalyst for sustainable social change.
Youth unemployment, ages 15–34 (Q1 2026)
Girls aged 10–19 who gave birth in one year
Small businesses that fail within five years
Learners who leave school before matric
A&TG Ekasi turns each number into action: jobs and training, community awareness, micro-credit and coaching, sponsorships and bursaries.
