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Local Empowerment, Local Development and African Pride

UBUNTU LICENSING AND MARKETING AFRICA (PTY) LTD (ULMA),

Now, ULMA proudly shifts its focus to homegrown African brands, channeling world-class insights and best-in-class licensing practices into a new era of local storytelling and entrepreneurial impact.

Established in 2025, Ubuntu Licensing and Marketing Africa (ULMA) is a South African-born agency with a bold humanitarian mission: to drive inclusive economic growth by unlocking the power of local talent, street culture, and African brands through strategic character animation, licensing, and brand development.

With over 25 years of industry expertise, ULMA’s Managing Director has successfully worked with some of the world’s most iconic entertainment and sports licensors—including WWE, Paramount Pictures, Nickelodeon, Sanrio, Snoopy, Sesame Street, Sony Pictures, DreamWorks, Dragon Ball Z, Marvel, Smurfs, Garfield, Manchester United, Liverpool, PGA golf and many more—helping to grow consumer products across all categories throughout Sub-Saharan Africa.

We specialize in creating comprehensive, culturally relevant licensing programs that don’t just cater to formal retail and corporate sectors—but also uplift street vendors, informal traders, and unemployed entrepreneurs, helping them become proudly recognized contributors to our economy and creative heritage.

Our vision is rooted in Ubuntu: the belief that “I am because we are.” By investing in African brands, characters, and creators, ULMA is dedicated to transforming local narratives into global success stories—fueling innovation, restoring pride, and creating lasting change for communities across the continent. “Ubuntu” reflects South African values of humanity and togetherness — perfect for a humanitarian, locally-rooted business linked to our like-minded goals & goodwill… We look forward to becoming a partner in profit with you.

Empowering 1 Million + Street Vendors
Unlocking a R2 Trillion Informal Economy

Who ULMA Are:

  • Proudly South African, 25+ years in licensing & marketing.
  • Focused on South Africa’s untapped informal street vendor economy.

Our Mission:

  • Uplift more than 1 million grassroots traders.
  • Reduce operational costs, improve packaging access, build pride in their work.

The Challenge:

  • Vendors pay up to R49 for 200 packaging bags—unsustainable & nonrecyclable.
  • • Informal economy lacks recognition, resources, and formal suppliers support.

PHASE ONE: START IN WITBANK IN MARCH 2026 &
EXPAND TO JOHANNESBURG BY MID 2026.

THE REALITY

The last proper census in squatter camp Hawkers in Gauteng were conducted during 2011

We couldn’t locate a reliable recent (2022- Census) disaggregated figures for all

.

Zandspruit:

31,716 persons “Sub Place Zandspruit” from Census 2011.

IVORY PARK

184,383 persons . Census 2011 main place figure.

ORANGE FARM:

76,767 persons . Census 2011 for Main Place “Orange Farm.”

Thembisa (Tembisa)

463,109 persons .Census 2011 figure for main place.

dIEPSLOOT::

138,329 persons. 

Alexandra (Main Place):

179,624 (Census 2011).

So estimated total who buy from hawkers just in Gauteng squatter camps in JHB =1,073,928 people

DEFINITELY DOUBLE BY NOW

    “FROM FORMAL SUPPLY TO MOTHER EARTH”

    Campaign Mechanics

    Spend → Earn → Reward:

    • Rewards: WILL BE IN THE FORM OF “E –GRANTS – TAKE A SELFIE, SUBMIT VIA WHATSAPP AND STAND CHANCE TO WIN FROM R50 TO R1000 GRANT
    • Trackability: All activity is digitally tracked to support wholesalers, hawkers, NGOs and SARS compliance.
    • Brand Visibility: Retailers such as cash and carry outlets and spaza shops gain constant presence across townships through the bags.

    Key Elements

    • 100% compostable clear bags (break down in 7–10 days, support soil health).
    • Retailer/Cash & Carry support → elevates the hawker’s image and pride.
    • Scalable route to market built in partnership with all who want to join with pre-developed campaign mechanics for seamless execution.
    • Dual revenue model:
    1. Loyalty-driven giveaways.
    2. Ongoing sales of the compostable bags.

    Why Support & Invest

    • Recognize street vendors as essential economic contributors.
    • Keep the value chain local — reduce reliance on foreign intermediaries.
    • Strengthen township economies through dignity and empowerment.
    • NGO collaboration to amplify community upliftment.
    • A measurable, trackable system that enhances transparency.

    The Impact

    • High-impact, high-scale model that grows with every hawker.
    • Every vendor becomes a mobile brand ambassador.
    • Every street corner becomes an economic opportunity.
    • Cleaner communities: Packaging returns to Mother Earth instead of becoming waste.
    • Supports gardens, reduces pollution, and builds township pride.

    Call to Action

    Investors, wholesalers and industry leaders:
    Join a movement that ignites South Africa’s entrepreneurial spirit from the ground up.
    Support dignity, sustainability and Ubuntu-based economics.

    #RespectAndUbuntu

    #MoneyIsScarceButUnityIsPower

    #VendorsAreTheFuture