Zizamele Ceramics was founded in 2008 by Toni Burton who taught ceramics skills at a local college. She taught the present members of Zizamele on an 18-month long job creation course in craft production. Once the group had qualified, it seemed inconceivable to send the participants back to a life of poverty in their local township, Masiphumulele.
Toni is the entrepreneur of the group and a few very tough years followed while she established the products in the marketplace. Two things were in place – a talented and loyal team and a great product.