Archbishop Desmond Tutu offered a definition of Ubuntu in a 1999 book: “One of the sayings in our country is Ubuntu – the essence of being human. Ubuntu speaks particularly about the fact that you can’t exist as a human being in isolation. It speaks about our interconnectedness. You can’t be human all by yourself, and when you have this quality – Ubuntu – you are known for your generosity. We think of ourselves far too frequently as just individuals, separated from one another, whereas you are connected and what you do affects the whole world. When you do well, it spreads out; it is for the whole of humanity.”
The moment you set foot in SOKO District – a retail space which is home to multiple brands, all individually owned and run – you know you are supporting local which means you are contributing to your own country’s economy, you are contributing to job creation. You are Ubuntu.
Now more than ever, buying local and buying with intention is meaningful in ways that go far beyond just the benefit to self of the item purchased. By supporting a local retailer, you are helping to uplift and build. How? With a minimum of 20 retailers in the District, each retailer employs two people to operate the store which is open seven days a week. This means that more than 40 jobs are created. Many of SOKO District’s maiden retailers also had to upscale production because their sales have increased now that they have a retail space, which in turn creates even more jobs. So, any purchase from one of these locally lekker retailers contributes to the growth of small business development in South Africa.
Ricardo Rocha, co-founder and CEO of SOKO District explains: “Our regenerative marketplace is a retail space of co-creation where one of the guiding principles is community. By listening to our retailers, working with them and offering them lease flexibility, we help these businesses grow in the most effective way. Despite the boom in the e-commerce space, people still have a need for authentic personal interactions and meaningful experiences. SOKO District is grounded in a sense of local community and belonging. By supporting the brands at SOKO District, you will also discover how amazing some of our local products are rather than supporting big global brands.”
A visit to SOKO District is intended to be an opportunity for the community to discover and experience new things. A time to embrace and enjoy time away from your usual routine.
Get Social:
Follow us on Instagram @sokodistrict or keep up to date with our news on Facebook @sokodistrict and don’t forget to use our hashtags #SOKODistrict #SOKORosebank #RetellTherapy when you are sharing your SOKO District experiences. Please share you good experiences with any one of the SOKO District brands and tag them in your posts to – it’s Ubuntu!
NOTE: All Covid protocols are in place.
You’ll find our first SOKO District in the bustling heart of Jozi at Rosebank Mall at 50 Bath Avenue in Rosebank, Johannesburg. For more information visit our website or watch our launch video here: https://youtu.be/9udCS_7EMPM
SOKO District at Rosebank Mall Operating Hours:
SOKO District is operational under the adjusted level 2 restrictions:
Mon – Thurs: 9am-6pm | Fri: 9am-7pm | Sat, Sun and Public holidays: 9am – 5pm
Our food providers will be open for take-away meals only.