JOZI International is a South African food and craft store located in Brantford, Ontario. The store is owned and operated by Thato Maketekete, a former nurse from Soweto, SA.

Thato opened the shop when she noticed it was getting harder for her to buy all of her favourite South African goodies. She had thought that if it was getting harder for her, it was harder for everyone and there was a great need for the items.
Jozi International has all of the South African goodies to cure your homesick blues! Mrs Balls chutney, Bakers Biscuits, Ouma rusks, bush tea, Maizena, Tastic, ProNutro, ProVita, Ingrams cream, Lux soap, biltong, boerewors, African clothes, shoes and jewellery. You name it. JOZI International has it.

“And if we don’t have… ask for it, and we’ll try to get it in the next order,” Thato promises.

Most shoppers depended on one store that’s about an hour and a half away … and supplies were limited. Alternately, there were large grocery chains that tried to sell us the food; however, it was not what we wanted.

Thato misses her warm country … the people, the food, music, culture! Owning and operating the store is one way she stays connected to her people and her culture.

Jozi International is not just for locals to South Africa. There is something for everyone who wants to experience the culture. Food, crafts, clothing and more.

JOZI International is located at 750 Colborne Street in Brantford, Ontario, Canada.