Link Africa was established in 2000 by Vivian Thornton who has 16 years former buying experience at a senior level in both the United Kingdom and South Africa. When first arriving in South Africa in 1997, Vivian Thornton was overwhelmed by the unique design level and indigenous skill of the many South Africa craftpeople and artists and established Link Africa in order to facilitate and support trade between the small crafters and the large retailers.
Link Africa was primarily established as a trading house, sourcing homeware products from South Africa to sell to both local and export retail markets. After the first year however it became apparent that the trading function alone was insufficient to bridge the large gap between the needs of the small craft producer and high street retailer and in 2001, Link Africa was extended (through partnership with DTI and local craft institutes) to supply an integrated programme of intervention which supports and assists the manufacturer through from initial product development through to manufacture and final delivery.
Link Africa was primarily established as a trading house, sourcing homeware products from South Africa to sell to both local and export retail markets. After the first year however it became apparent that the trading function alone was insufficient to bridge the large gap between the needs of the small craft producer and high street retailer and in 2001, Link Africa was extended (through partnership with DTI and local craft institutes) to supply an integrated programme of intervention which supports and assists the manufacturer through from initial product development through to manufacture and final delivery.
