
WHO WAS INVOLVED IN CREATING YOUR SEALAND GEAR?
Our Family
Our Family
Our team embodies the Sealand brand and combines passions for business, the outdoors, fashion, design, and innovation. Amongst our family there are endurance runners, surfers, avid hikers, creative trailblazers and ingenious personalities.
Joëlle Mukendi
Joëlle has a strong passion and drive for what she does. Focused, determined, and skilled, Joëlle is a key member of our Studio Crew, sewing bags and creating smiles. Although she may seem quiet at first, once you get to know her, you'll quickly discover that she's quite the comedian. She is a dreamer too and imagines big things for herself, her husband Oliver, and Sealand.


Jasper Eales
Jasper Eales, one of the original founders of Sealand, is the imaginative mind behind the brand. He drives the brand’s focus to achieve refined, practical solutions, which are designed to last. While he focuses on new product development, marketing strategies and the branding process, he sneaks a peek into all areas of the business to say hello to his Sealand family and chat about weekend plans.
He envisions Sealand becoming one of the top environmentally responsible brands in South Africa, as well as around the world. As a third generation Llandudno citizen, Jasper’s love for the ocean; his adventurous spirit, and enthusiasm for conscious lifestyle design continues to drive him to explore new paths for Sealand. When he’s not in a meeting sipping on an oat milk flat white at Deus, the café alongside Sealand Campus, you’ll find this intrepid explorer surfing, skating or venturing around South Africa with his wife and daughter.
Rita Kazamba
Rita is a relative newcomer to Sealand but has arrived with passion and intent. A fantastic machinist, Rita will whip up a bag in no time (and with her eyes closed!), finding the sewing process therapeutic and calming. She loves people, her God and doing good deeds – and enjoys the family feel we have here at Sealand. Rita is a tailor by trade with dreams of opening her own business one day.


Nana Matete
Described as 'French Dynamite', Nana has been the soul of Sealand since the beginning. When she took time off to welcome her twins into the world, we knew we’d miss her but didn’t realise how much! We are over the moon to have her back and don't think we could survive without her again. Nana brings so much light and magic into the studio, and spreads happiness like confetti. The only things she keeps to herself are her dreams and that’s fine – we know that this French Dynamite is going places. Watch out world, Nana is coming.
Courtney Munna
Courtney, or ‘Munna’, completed her Industrial Design degree from Cape Town University of Technology in 2019. This has equipped her with the technical and creative skills to create and conceptualise with maturity and artistry. Her ambition and drive led her to being named ‘Rookie of the Year’ at Sealand in 2020, and she now heads up all things creative and marketing at Sealand.
From a young age, Courtney has had a profound connection to the natural world around her. Her first love – and happy place – is the Kalahari Desert plateau. This has culminated in a lifestyle centred around nature and connecting with its beauty. She believes that stressed-states are best remedied by the calming sense of engaging with one’s natural surroundings. Her goal is to make a change in the world through community and product design. Munna’s favourite things about working at Sealand are the people, the freedom, and the ability to make ravioli in the microwave.


Ntombozuko 'Ntombi' Qhora
Everyone at Sealand has their own unique style, and Ntombi is known for being glamorous. Whether it is Monday or Friday, sunny or snowing, she comes to work looking like she is about to step onto the red carpet at the Oscar's. She is a highly skilled machinist and someone who can always be relied on to go above and beyond for the team. Ntombi dreams of being a teacher and we couldn’t back her more – everyone she meets, she touches their heart.
Jonas “Mr Jones” Ndippo
Meet Jonas “Mr Jones”, our lead machinist and longest standing crew member here at the Sealand Campus. Jonas is fundamental to the smooth running of our sewing department and guides the Studio Crew to produce high quality bags, always. Since the day we opened our doors, Jonas has been spreading light and laughter through the Studio. He is a husband and father, and a keen observer – always with a twinkling glint in his eye.


Adrian Hewlett
Adrian Hewlett grew up in Zambia and Mozambique and is a fluent speaker of French and Portuguese. Following a successful career in the world of advertising and media, Adrian became the CEO of Sealand in 2020 after sitting on the board as a non-executive. Adrian - and his business initiatives - have won numerous awards, including ‘Most Admired Agency Boss’ and ‘National Agency to Watch’.
A serial entrepreneur, he brings years of experience, dedication, and acute organisational skills to Sealand to elevate the brand and the operations that uphold it. On top of this, Adrian is an adventurer and endurance runner – the epitome of the Sealand lifestyle.
Julia Kabwe
All the way from the Congo, Julia plays an important role at Sealand in sales and ensuring all of our customers are well looked after. Julia’s bubbly personality and enthusiastic energy brings light to any room especially at our Sealand store. Julia loves bags and gets stuck into a good book in her free time. Her off days are spent with friends and finding something new and adventurous to do.


Tessa Springthorpe
Meet Tessa, our Head of Retail. Tessa is always here to provide a laugh, dabbles in clay making and loves South Africa and all it has to offer. Born on an apple farm, and the granddaughter of the first Miss South Africa, you can bet she’s not a boring member of our family!
Joseph Chisale
Meet Joseph, one of our talented machinists who happens to be a key figure in the development of the Hero bag. Joseph wanted to become a driver but, once he joined our family, there was no steering away from us adventurous spirits. He is a passionate soccer player and a big fan of the sport, ensuring we’re all aware of the latest news. He is a young soul, has a fantastic wife and is the father of two kids.


Hanru Albertyn
Hanru joined Sealand when we started our new adventure in Stellenbosch. From the beaches of Hermanus to the mountains of Stellenbosch Hanru has had a love for the outdoors since a very young age. If you’re ever in the area I promise you he should be too. You can usually catch him at the Stellenbosch store. There is no doubt that he’ll greet you with a big smile and make you feel right at home.
Kiza Rukengeza
Kiza has the kindest heart, is a lover of music, and is an excellent machinist from the DRC. He learnt to sew in his hometown, where he would observe his mother sewing and practice alongside her. Since he joined the Sealand Crew, he has graced us with his excellent skills. Kiza feels like he has a family here at Sealand and we agree with him!


Jordan-Lee Vera
Jordan is a father before anything else; die-hard Manchester United supporter and a strong believer of always staying positive. He’s been lucky enough to travel around most of Africa and has experienced a wide variety of cultures. He’s fluent in English, Afrikaans and Xhosa, which means he always has the inside scoop in the Crew! You can find him in our Stellenbosch branch spreading the good vibes.
Emmanuel Mulumba
Emmanuel Mulumba has been with us for a long time and it is hard to imagine Sealand without him. He is all the way from the Congo, and makes Roamers, Spex Camera Bags, and people laugh. He works as hard as anyone, and his smile lights up the studio every day where he enjoys working as a family with his Sealand sisters and brothers.


Carey Blumberg
Carey is Sealand’s accounts manager and is heavily involved in operations and human resources too. A Hout Bay local and caring mother to her daughter (and our house plants at the Campus), she loves working at Sealand because she believes it is so much more than a 9-to-5 job. She says, “The brand challenges one to constantly evolve and be a better person.”
Carey’s goal is to own a business one day. Despite working in accounts, she loves to explore her creative side and she expresses herself through her passion for art and film. Her talents don’t stop there. Carey has green-fingers and has been instrumental in the implementation of the Sealand Campus’ herb and vegetable garden.
Judith Mukendi
Judith began her journey sewing in the DRC Congo where she was born. After arriving in South Africa in 2009 with her husband and children, she found a job sewing bags. Fast forward to 2020, Judith joined the Sealand family, again making bags!
Judith is a mom, a fashion lover, a sewing guru, and an avid baker (which we are grateful to benefit from every now and again). Judith hopes to open her own coffee shop one day where she can dive into the world of baking and provide people with tasty goods. We can’t wait to visit Judith’s coffee shop in the future!


Luke Johnston
Unofficially, Luke heads up new business development and sales, spreading the word about our story with everyone he meets. Officially, he is HoS (Head of Stoke) at Sealand – and he’s stoked to hold that title! In a long line of on-going experiments, we've tried hard to bring his mood down, and can say with absolute certainty that it is impossible. Luke wears a huge smile, a bigger heart, and is a Sealander through-and-through.
He dreams of taking Sealand beyond the shores of South Africa and into the global market. Watch out world, Sealand HoS is making waves.
Vuyo Sazona
Vuyo is one of the friendliest faces around the studio. Even though the job of cutter was a new experience when he joined us, he is now more precise than a German's timing. He spends his weekends relaxing and going to church, and his weeks infecting us with his smile. We are stoked to have him on board, and it is now impossible to imagine the studio without him!


Shumirayi “Shumi” Chikwama
If you've got yourself a Jolla, Bettie, or Shel, then the chances are good Shumi made it for you (with more love than most can give). She came all the way from Zimbabwe to spread her warmth over Cape Town. She loves life, making travel bags, and working at Sealand. With a dream of starting her own bag manufacturing company she is someone to keep an eye out for in the future! For now, though, we will count our lucky stars that she is a part of the Sealand family.
Julia Bass
Julia is our Head designer at Sealand. Following her Master’s degree from London College of Fashion, where she focused on responsible design practices, her experience and considered approach to product design is allowing the brand to grow in exciting new spaces and directions.


Leah Weldon
Leah is our fun loving, social butterfly with the kindest heart. Her passion for design and hunger for growth led her to join the Sealand family and she continues to give 100 percent of her creative energy to the team at the Stellenbosch Sealand store. When she’s not in design mode you’ll find her in the Sealand Stellenbosch store.
Nonthatu Constance Dubase
Constance, also known as Nondatu, is one of Sealand's many success stories. She came to us with limited knowledge of sewing and bag manufacturing. Despite this, we could tell there was something special about her and welcomed her into the family. Today, she is a master machinist and chatter (there’s never a dull moment when she’s around), and an integral part of the Sealand family. Like so many in our Sealand Crew, Constance embodies an entrepreneurial spirit and she hopes to open her own business in the future.


Rachael Musariri
Rachel is sweet as sugar and is not shy to ask you how your day is going – and really listens to what you’re telling her, lending an ear to anyone who needs it. Rachel is one of our skilled machinists and is all the way from Zimbabwe. She spends her weekends getting involved in her church community, where she brings people together from all walks of life. Rachel loves improving her skills here in our sewing room and enjoys the fact that there are always new things to learn from and do with the Sealand family.
Oliver Kabongo
Oliver is another one of the original Sealand family members. He is married to Joelle and is head of our Sales Team. Oliver studied to be a veterinarian but found his heart was in sales and interacting with people, rather than our fluffy companions. He hopes to continue to develop his skills in business and marketing.
Oliver makes sure that all customers at the Sealand Experience Store and Waterfront Kiosk are well taken care of. If you've met him, you'll know what a great guy he is. If you haven't, then it is worth making the trip to the store to say hi.


Sam Gait
Sam is a graphic designer and is one of our interns at Sealand. Zimbabwe-born and raised in Malawi, she settled in South Africa to study further. Sam spent time in Stellenbosch attaining her Design degree, she describes herself as someone who, much like a turtle, takes time to come out of its shell, and enjoys a deep admiration and love for the sea (especially after a fearful swim in with a jellyfish as a child). Her love for water flows from the ocean shores to school swimming pools where she’s spent much of her time as a high school pupil. Her competitive edge comes from being a competitive swimmer and Captain of the Malawian team in 2017, which reminds her to always look forward with focus.
Pascaline Tshiela
Say howzit to Pascaline, a lover of fashion and an excellent addition to our Studio Crew and Sealand family. Pascaline is serious when it comes to work and being a machinist but don’t be fooled – she also has a fun side to her, making our days at the Sealand Campus extra special. Spending time with family and listening to music are her weekend pleasures.


Brenda Ngubetole
Meet Brenda, she is an instrumental part of the Sealand crew; you can find her in and around campus and we can bet that she will greet you with a big smile. Brenda has a son who she loves to spend time with on the weekends and help him grow and learn about the community and environment he lives in. Born in the Eastern Cape, we sure are glad she ventured this side.
Julia Moxley
Meet Julia, a graphic design student who encapsulates everything Sealand stands for. Julia’s passion for the environment and love for the outdoors and exploring new places plays a big role in her creative mind, steering her creative style. She uses her creativity to bring a vibrant culture to our Stellies store.


Zolani Masembathe
Oh, Zola, what would we do without you? Zola ensures every Sealand product is of the highest quality before you receive it and that it safely departs when being shipped to you. A CrossFit enthusiast and part time rugby player at the weekends, Zola is always busy. This Cape town born young man may seem shy at first, but he enjoys a good vibe and some dancing. Strike up a conversation about fitness and his face lights up!
Marius Mohande
All the way from the Congo, Marius is a man who knows Sealand and who knows sales. He takes care of our customers like very few others we’re seen and, with a dream of starting his own eco-driven company one day, has got the entrepreneurial spirit that runs through the whole Sealand family.


Richard “Richmund” Khan
Richard-Scissor-Hands has been a part of the Sealand family as far back as we can remember. He runs the engine room downstairs and is in charge of managing the successful sorting and cutting of the mountains of waste material that we receive. A music man at heart, he keeps the stoke alive by always playing and singing the best melodies this side of the equator. He also has a killer laugh which you may hear echoing through the Campus at your next visit.
Andiswa Mankune
We love people who love their job and after sitting down with Andiswa it's pretty clear that this is the way she feels. From the Eastern Cape of South Africa, she is a machine on the machine and works harder than almost anyone we know. When she does lift her head from her work it is always to get in on some of the fun around the studio. Her hard work, gentle nature, and warm smile make her an integral part of the Sealand family.


Silulami Linden Ntuli
He's known as the 'Quality Police' around the studio and, with all that smiling, we think it must be because he is so intimidating. In reality, he is quietly spoken, deeply respectful of everyone, and always ready to get in on a joke. With a passion for beer and people we have no doubt the beer from his brewery will one day make a German's jaw drop!
Dylan Chiro
Dyl describes himself as half Mozambican-half Zimbabwean who likes skateboarding, good vibes, music of all kinds, and the odd dry joke. You can hear Dyl’s laugh from the other side of the office, while he works away in the design studio as our design intern. He doesn’t have a favourite colour - he says there are too many to choose from - but he does enjoy a good chat and is always keeping the energy up in studio. When he isn’t talking and joking, you’ll see him double down and get on with work - making us proud wherever he lends a hand.


Isaac Micheal
Isaac who assists in operations, but above all he is an adventurous soul who loves nature. When he isn't busy in Sealand DC, you’ll find him wandering the beach front, watching a game of cricket or soccer, or enjoying some down time with a movie. Quiet and gentle, Isaac is softly spoken at first but, once you get to know him, opens up quickly and enjoys sharing his passion for music and people. At Sealand, he is a gem - always challenging himself with new teaks and activities, and inspiring us all to do the same.
Janine Potts
Janine is a designer, pattern maker and product developer who holds a very important role in the making of a Sealand Bag. Janine is the chatter in the design studio, and a nature and animal lover. When growing up, Janine would help her mom with sewing projects, which is where she developed and found her passion for fabric and pattern making. With years of experience in bag-making (she used to work in highly skilled crafts roles and as a salesperson), Janine has developed her skills in business operations and product design, making well crafted, long lasting and unique designs for Sealand. Her knowledge is invaluable to Sealand, and her energy is loved in the studio.


Leïla Bonmariage
Leïla is our Production Manager at Sealand. Known as the one with the curls, with an affinity for corn chips and hummus, being in the mountains, always looking for an adventure or challenge, known to be obsessively tidy. If you are looking for a dad joke, find Leïla, she always has a good dad joke up her sleeve.
Nompiliso Gcaza
Nompi is our outgoing chatter box in the studio who we all enjoy meeting at the kettle for a cup of coffee and a chat. Born in the Eastern Cape in a small town called Tsomo, Nompi brings to Sealand a fresh perspective and a grounded energy - and plenty of smiles throughout the day. Nompi specialised at Sealand by working through Quality Control, and now works in our cutting department as well as doing some sewing as a Machinist.


Weston Dick
Weston is a Machinist at Sealand all the way from Malawi - and we are grateful to have him as a part of our Sealand family. We’re proud of the work he does for Sealand, making bags and other products, but what we are most proud of is how he uses his creativity not only in our studio but also to express himself as an artist. A humble man, Weston lives ‘through God and prayer.’