Candle house

The candles displayed in our catalogue are all hand painted by a company called AfriCandles. The company has been operational since 1997 and creates job opportunities for 11 families.

These candles are manufactured from Chinese wax. Metal cord wicks are used. No pigments are used in the manufacturing process, as the candles are all hand painted afterwards.

The blank candles are delivered to a rural community, 90 km North of Pretoria South Africa. Plaka paint is supplied to these Ndebele women who then decorate the candles in true Ndebele style. Painting of these candles are in many cases the sole means of income for many of these Ndebele families.

Click on the picture for more.
Women hand painting candles in MatshidingOnce painted, the candles are dipped into a Nippon bath to ensure that the paint doesn't come off after which each candle is hand wrapped in cellophane, ready to be sold. Burn times depend on the size of the candle.


Tip: Extend the use of these candles by carefully pouring the wax out while burning. A wax shell will form. Place a tea light candle inside the shell and enjoy the light shining through the traditional Ndebele patterns.


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