About
We started Wataka out of a love of Africa; because for all the hardships, harsh climates, political challenges, corruption and poverty, Africans overcome to produce unrivalled creativity and beauty.
Why start with socks? Everyone needs socks. Even for the less flamboyant among us, socks can express a sense of fun, but much more than that, a sense of identity.
Wataka is #AfricanMade
INSPIRED BY AFRICA · Our socks are all original designs that take inspiration from African textiles and art.
FOR AFRICA · We are committed to creating jobs and opportunities for African people. With every pair of socks sold we donate to initiatives supporting local communities. Currently we donate a portion of our sales to 9 Miles Project.
MADE IN AFRICA · Wataka is made in Africa, using locally sourced materials where possible.
Please sign up to our newsletter and get a welcome discount code off your first order. We also send out a discount code that you can use on your following order :) We do not send out a lot of newsletters, but when we do they are brimming with fun news, cool stories and promotions that are sure to tickle your toes.
🌍 How We Give Back
WATAKA: Socks with Soul, Stories, and Purpose
At WATAKA, we believe business should be a force for good. Every design we create is rooted in an African story — a symbol, a pattern, a piece of heritage. Our socks aren’t just accessories; they are wearable art that celebrates culture and deepens understanding of where beauty comes from.
We manufacture right here in South Africa, at a specialist local knitting mill, so the spirit of the land and its people is literally woven into every stitch.
Choosing to make our socks in South Africa isn’t just about pride — it’s about impact.
When you support local manufacturing, you:
- Keep Skills Alive: South Africa has a rich textile history, but many skills are disappearing under the pressure of cheap imports. By producing here, we keep that knowledge alive for the next generation.
- Strengthen Communities: Every pair we make provides jobs and training, keeping families supported and local economies vibrant.
- Protect the Planet: Local production means fewer transport miles and a lower carbon footprint.
- Honour the Source: The designs come from here, so the economic benefits should stay here. It’s about reciprocity — giving back to the place that gives us inspiration.
Partnering with 9 Miles Project
When possible, we support grass roots non proffit 9 Miles Project in Strandfontein — an incredible organisation that empowers coastal youth through surfing, mentorship, education, and love. They help young people rise above challenges, find belonging, and create brighter futures.
Why All This Matters...
Giving back isn’t a marketing strategy — it’s the only way we know how to do business. Every time you choose WATAKA, you are:
- Supporting South African industry and artisans
- Keeping heritage textile skills alive
- Choosing style and quality that lasts
- Helping youth access opportunity
- Standing for wildlife and Earth stewardship
- Investing in a better, more just future
Together, we are weaving a world of beauty, justice, and heart — one story, one stitch, one pair of socks at a time.