Nehanda Design is more than a nursery décor brand—it’s a living tribute to legacy, storytelling, and quiet revolution.
A Name with a Story
The name Nehanda was chosen with intention. Inspired by Mbuya Nehanda, the Zimbabwean spiritual leader and revolutionary, our name honours a lineage of strength, resilience, and creative defiance. Her legacy reminds us to lead with purpose—to design with care and to always centre the community.
We see ourselves not just as designers or crafters, but as storytellers. We create with purpose, always anchoring our work in values that reflect our heritage and aspirations. When we name a mobile or choose its colourway, it’s never random—it’s rooted in something real.
From Idea to Reality
The journey began simply. A custom mobile request from a friend sparked something in us: a desire to make spaces that felt intimate and thoughtful. One order became five, then ten. Each parent had a story to tell—a place they loved, a creature they admired, a heritage they wanted to honour.
One particular request changed everything. A customer asked for a mobile inspired by their childhood in Kalk Bay. The idea resonated so deeply that it soon became part of our official range. This moment solidified what we already knew: that our work needed to be led by meaning. By memory. And by community.
It also made us realise that our strength lies in listening. Our most beloved designs are often those that came from our customers’ ideas. We take those stories, shape them, colour them, and let them hang gently above a baby’s space.
We haven’t looked back since.
The Hands Behind the Magic
Behind every Nehanda Design Mobile is a team of women who believe in making with love. Our mobiles are hand-assembled by women in our extended team, including a talented artisan who is also a fine artist in her own right. She paints delicate dangles with intricate detail—adding her own creative essence to every piece.
We work closely with RISE 5, an initiative dedicated to supporting women-led production. It’s not just about business—it’s about building something sustainable and supportive, together.
Every mobile undergoes pull tests, ensuring they’re secure enough for curious little hands. We use high-quality threads from ACA Threads, a local South African supplier, because we believe strength and safety should never be compromised.
We don't mass produce. We make to order. This slower pace allows us to remain thoughtful about every decision—every stitch, every string, every story.
At Nehanda Design, your nursery is our canvas. And your story is the heart of our art.