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From neighbourhood stores and street vendors to creators, services and growing brands, Zama is building a marketplace where local businesses can be discovered, trusted and supported by the communities they serve.
Inspired by a spirit.
Built for every community.
Zama was inspired by the spirit of ukuzama—to try, to persevere, and to keep moving forward. Our journey is rooted in the resilience of South Africa's local entrepreneurs and driven by a vision to help every business grow, connect and thrive in the digital economy.
Before 2010
A spirit that's always been here
Long before smartphones and online marketplaces, township entrepreneurs were already building communities through small businesses. From spaza shops and street vendors to salons, mechanics and home-based businesses, they served their neighbourhoods with resilience, trust and determination. The name Zama comes from the spirit of ukuzama, to try, to persevere, and to keep moving forward. That spirit has always existed. Our mission is simply to bring it into the digital age.
2020
The idea takes shape
In 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, founder Yonela Johannes watched township businesses struggle as lockdowns limited how communities could buy everyday essentials. He began asking a simple question: Why shouldn't every township business have the same opportunity to sell online as larger retailers? That question became the foundation of Handel—a marketplace built to help local businesses reach more customers, strengthen their communities, and participate in the digital economy.
2021
Turning an idea into reality
With the vision clear, the work began. Every evening, weekend and spare moment went into designing, testing and refining what would become Zama. It wasn't about launching quickly, it was about building something that genuinely solved problems for local businesses and the communities they serve.
2022
The first believers
Every great journey begins with someone willing to believe. In 2022, the first local businesses placed their trust in the vision of Zama. Their feedback, encouragement and willingness to try something new transformed an idea into a platform built with its community, not just for it.
2023
A vision becoming reality
What began as an idea was becoming a living platform. More local businesses joined, early customers began placing orders, and every interaction helped shape a better experience. With each new connection, Zama moved one step closer to its mission of making local commerce more accessible, more trusted and more connected.
Growing with the community
As more entrepreneurs discovered Zama, the platform continued to evolve alongside them. Every conversation, suggestion and real-world experience helped refine the product, ensuring it remained simple, useful and built around the needs of local businesses.
2023
Growing with the community
As more entrepreneurs discovered Zama, the platform continued to evolve alongside them. Every conversation, suggestion and real-world experience helped refine the product, ensuring it remained simple, useful and built around the needs of local businesses.
2024
One platform, endless possibilities
What began as a marketplace continued to grow into something bigger. Zama expanded its vision to support more types of local businesses, creating a single place where communities could discover trusted products, services and entrepreneurs, all while keeping local commerce at the heart of every decision.
2025
Just getting started
From a simple idea inspired by the spirit of ukuzama to a platform built for local communities, every step has been driven by one belief: local businesses deserve the opportunity to thrive online. Our journey is only beginning, and we're building the future of local commerce—one business, one community and one connection at a time.
Become part of the story
Zama is built for the entrepreneurs, creators and communities that keep South Africa moving. Whether you're growing a business or supporting one, you're helping shape the future of local commerce.
Join Zama