Levi’s has collaborated with these two impactful women behind local movements loved and supported by all of us

Right on the heels of an eventful Women's Month that not only celebrated cutting-edge women, but also underscored the plight of women in South Africa in terms of safety, equality and gender-based violence. 

It's therefore fitting that Levi’s South Africa has identified and collaborated with two impactful local women whose visibility is characterised by both the conversations we've been having throughout the month of August; Nandi Dlepu and Zulaikha Patel.

They not only embody the spirit of “I Shape My World” - a global initiative dedicated to celebrating and elevating the extraordinary women who move our world forward every day - but represent the soul of the Levi’s brand which has always been at the center of culture, inspiring self-expression and originality.  

Nandi

Nandi Dlepu, who goes by Mama ka Shaka on social media, is a multi-faceted creative whose endeavor is always led by the sole purpose of making a difference in the lives of women in her community and around South Africa. Two of her most noteworthy programs are BLOOM, a platform dedicated to the empowerment of female creative entrepreneurs; and the Feel Good Series which is a monthly rooftop event that features emerging DJ’s and live performers.

READ MORE: “Expect everything you’ve come to know and love, but more!” - Nandi Dlepu on the UMI: Our Music Festival 

The Feel Good Series prides itself on the inclusion of women in all aspects of the event from the talent to the supplier chain. A DJ set is allocated for Pussy Party at all events which is an organization that mentors and supports aspiring LGBTQI DJ’s. 

Zulaikha

At age 13, Zulaikha Patel became the symbol of the fight against racism at Pretoria High School for Girls, when she led a protest against the racism within schools in South Africa and for the decolonisation of hair policies in schools, which was followed by several protests across South Africa.

READ MORE: Recent news around former Model C girls' schools remind us how difficult it is to be black in those spaces 

Today, at age 17, Zulaikha is the Executive Director and ambassador for Kidz Of Biko, the youngest ambassador for the Charlotte Mannya Maxeke Instutution and an ambassador for the Thuma Foundation. Zulaikha is also currently leading a movement alongside a local Black owned natural hair brand, My Natural, petitioning to the South African Department for the establishment of a Natural Hair act which will protect the identity of African learners by giving them the right to wear their Natural hair in schools without prejudice. 

Head of Marketing Levi Strauss South Africa, Candace Gilowey expressed how exciting it is to "add strong South African voices to this campaign celebrating fearless women who have stepped up, broken barriers and made a difference in their communities and the world at large."

Watch the full "I Shape My World" campaign video below:

Sign up to W24's newsletters so you don't miss out on any of our hot stories and giveaways.