H18 Foundation is building a sustainable system that doesn't just recycle textiles. It restores lives.
See how we did it.
In 2016 a mother and daughter team, Jill Lewin and Amanda Solomon, opened Hangar 18, a small coffee shop in a bustling business park. Their goal was to sustain a social enterprise supporting women from Joe Slovo Park, an informal settlement in Milnerton, Cape Town.
What started as a simple idea to create dignified work for women in need soon grew into something far greater than we could have imagined.
The social enterprise became self-sustainable and was officially registered as H18 Foundation in January 2018.
This marked a significant milestone in our commitment to economic inclusion for women.
Instead of waiting for jobs that may never come, township and rural entrepreneurs are creating their own opportunities through reselling, upcycling, and crafting handmade products.
This is where H18 Foundation comes in.
We secured national wholesale contracts and introduced bespoke retail items for specific clients crafted from 100% cotton and natural hemp, remaining within our sustainability values.
When our sanctuary was sold, we found new premises in a closed preschool – which gave rise to Mana Preschool – a safe learning space for our artisans’ children and the broader community.
This space became our new sanctuary: a fully functioning preschool, a production hub, and a home for dreams!
Just as we had built something fruitful, we faced another hard reality.
By the end of January 2024, it became clear that despite the support of the municipality and our community, we could not find a sustainable way forward. And so, after seven and a half years, having impacted more than 200 women and their families, we had to make the heartbreaking decision to close our doors in March 2024.
Our artisans began finding alternative work.
Our children transitioned to new schools.
We took a deep breath, grieving the end of an era, yet searching for what was next.
But this is not where the story ends.
Moving from isolated projects to a connected ecosystem
Launched in June 2025, CircuTex will serve as a proof of concept, expanding impact through:
Through our partnerships with national retailers, training developers, and sustainability experts, we aim to create an industry-wide shift. This ensures accountability in fast fashion while building sustainable income opportunities.
A growing movement of connected individuals shaping the future of circular fashion in South Africa!
Amanda Solomon
Vice Chairperson
Rashieda Panday
Chairperson
Christoff Oosthuysen
Research & Development
Jill Lewin
Co-Founder H18 Foundation
Aneesa Theron
Transformation & Strategy
Michelle Klassen Merrigan
International Partnerships & Innovation
Bev Shipley
Workplace Culture & Performance
Collaborative meeting with H18 Foundation & our stakeholders.
