Mate Masie Curation’s Insider Guide to South Africa

Anya Elder and Kelley Sanford are the dynamic duo behind Mate Masie Curation (pronounced Mah-tay Mah-say), Oakland-based curators offering both traditional and contemporary African designs. As curators of wearable art like jewelry and accessories from Africa, these two can frequently be found traveling throughout the African continent to bring their clients beautiful African goods and tell the interesting stories behind them.

We recently caught up with Anya Elder between trips to discover her insider’s scoop on South Africa, which she deems as her second home.

1. What do you love about South Africa?

What I love about Johannesburg is the people! I have found Johannesburg and Soweto residents to be full of life, very interested in having conversations about politics, culture, art, and overall life.

Cape Town, the Mother City, is till this day the most beautiful place I’ve laid my eyes on. The first site that attracts the eye is Table Mountain and Lion’s Head, which sits directly in the middle of the city with clouds that sit around it like delicate lace. It truly is a spiritual experience to see it as well to be on top. The coastline is dotted with beautiful beaches and breathtaking mountains. The city is also very compact making it easy to get around and navigate.

2. The one dish everyone who comes should try?

You cannot go to South Africa without participating in a Braai or Sisha Nyama, which is the South African version of a BBQ. People gather at a butcher to buy their meat, which is grilled to perfection, meet up with friends and family and then eat and dance the day away. It is a cultural experience that extends way past the pallet and continues to be one of my best food experiences ever.

3. Your ideal Sunday would be spent…

Sunday is the day for markets! South Africa has amazing food and art markets on Sundays. Two of my favorite markets are Arts on Main and the Rosebank Sunday Market. Here you are able to try food and cocktails from around the world at different stalls. A Dj is almost always in place and it really can turn into an all-day event.

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4. What would you recommend doing on the first day in South Africa?

After a long flight, my skin is typically dry and my body is aching. To combat this feeling, my first-day routine has consistently included me taking a shower and then spending the rest of the day on self-care and pampering.

A massage and facial at one of Johannesburg’s beautiful spas (my favorite is Pyramid Spa), is needed. Then I end the day at one of Johannesburg’s fancy restaurants to celebrate my arrival.

5. Where can we get a feel for local culture?

In my opinion, one of the best ways to get a feel for local culture is to enjoy the South African nightlife. In Johannesburg, Braamfontein is one of the best areas to go at night for a laid back and fun experience. It is home to the world-famous Orbit Jazz Bistro, which not only regularly hosts some of South African’s most important artists, but the dinner and cocktail menu rivals any 5-star restaurant. It is also a great place to bar and club hop.

6. What should we take home as a souvenir?

Wine or spirits. Pinotage wine is exclusive to South Africa and can be picked up when touring the wine country near Cape Town.

South Africa also has an excellent selection of spirits, such as Bain’s Cape Mountain Whisky, which was just rated the Worlds’ Best Grain Whiskey by the World Whisky Awards. It is also the place where I started appreciating Gin. Try the Cape Town Pink Lady Gin that is infused with Hibiscus, Rose petals, and rose water.

7. Where should we go to find African print material or designer clothes?

In Johannesburg, you can find African wax fabric in the fashion district along with tailors. It is important to remember that what people associate as African Fabric is really more of a West African tradition and important from West Africa, Europe, or China (yes, I said China).

You will not find the same volume or variety you will in let’s say a city like Accra, Ghana. However, one of my favorite things to do in South Africa is shopping for uniquely South African clothes and accessories. From the malls to boutiques to markets, you can find some very unique designers. MaxHosa is a Xhosa inspired knitwear line by designer Laduma Ngoxkolo. Laduma is known for using traditional Xhosa patterns, symbolism, and colors into his globally recognized line. One of my favorite accessory stores is Hello Africa! on Main Street in Maboneng. There you’ll find emerging artists from across the continent and of course, this speaks closely to Mate Masie Curation’s heart.

8. How do you select your curated pieces of wearable art?

We connect with artists and artisans through word of mouth and social media. We meet with them to find out more about them and what inspires their art. It is extremely important that we develop relationships with our artists.

9. One misconception about South Africa is…

Crime. It is actually what kept me away from solo travel in South Africa for years. If you read certain forums, places like Johannesburg can seem scary, but my experiences have been anything but. As with visiting many large cities (New York city for example), it is important to practice common sense safety. Be aware of your surroundings, don’t venture into isolated places alone, be careful with your valuables, etc. I am sad to hear of so many people who limit or bypass Johannesburg due to crime because they’re missing out on a lot.

10. Underrated spots worth a visit…

Soweto. It is so much more than just visiting Nelson Mandela’s house.

11. Where should we go to unplug?

Cape Town: Table Mountain, Chapman’s Peak, Botanical Gardens

Johannesburg: Rooftop Bar at the living room or 12 Decades, the Pyramid Spa for a massage and facial, Safari in Pilanesberg because nothing can get you closer to yourself then being in nature.