Photo Credits Monica Dart Photography
About Us
BDLS AFRICA (PTY) Ltd was established in 2018, an organisation dedicated to capacity building, reframing Africa’s narrative through storytelling, vision board sessions and literacy. Barbara Lawrence-Strydom the founder is a social entrepreneur with over 20-year career in banking which included her role as a bank manager, a learning and development practitioner, integrated and waste management, trauma counsellor, explorer, strategist and storyteller. Through collaboration BDLS AFRICA has offered expertise across South Africa in rural villages with traditional leaders and with executives in boardrooms on the contintent.
Her creativity is beautifully showcased in her book trilogy: "Waste Knot," "Seed is Life," and "The Power of Hemp" — a series advocating for sustainability, innovation, and cultural empowerment. The journey of Lawrence-Strydom began on a farm in Nqabeni, located in the heart of rural KwaZulu Natal, where her entrepreneurial spirit was first nurtured. Adding to her entrepreneurial ventures, she launched the "MADE WITH LOVE" label, which produces environmentally friendly, reusable travel bags and pouches under her AUNTY B brand. This initiative highlights her dedication to sustainable practices, deeply rooted in her village origins.
Read More
Self Reliance, Magnificent Abundance, Succession
Featured Articles
Barbara an avid reader and now a curious explorer of the continent after being raised in a country where mobility was restricted by law for her ancestors. She has volunteered as a co-driver and co-ordinator on a road-trip from Cape to Cairo, across 11 countries approximately 12550km accompanying 2 other ladies. Her journeys continue extending from the Southern Most Tip, Cape Agulhas to Swakopmund, Namibia or solo backpacking from Maputo to Tofu, Mozambique or the express train from Nairobi to Mombasa, Kenya or a 33km walk at the annual Desert Walk, Jwaneng Botswana with a passion to know more about Africa.
She enjoys spending time in nature from her backdoor growing up near Oribi Gorge to Kruger National Park in Mpumalanga, Chobe in Botswana, Mosi-oa-Tunya in Livingstone, Zambia, the Serengeti in Tanzania and most recently the world renown Maasai Mara and Amboseli National Parks in Kenya. This exploration has extended to climbing Mt Kilimanjaro, both times very special moments.
These journeys birthed ‘The Africa I SEE” ™ brand, an opportunity for everyone to have a personal view or perspective of Africa through exploration.
Read MoreOur Products
Own your perspective of Africa
Put your treasures in Africa each day
It starts with me
Testimonials
CMWL commends BDLS AFRICA its transformative trauma-informed approach, enabling leaders and organizations to heal from past challenges, reimagine their future, and unlock new levels of success.
AuntyB's visit, facilitated by the Gender Based Violence Femicide committee, was deeply impactful, offering insights through Vision Board activities after an intense Trauma Healing Circles,the theme of "Legacy." Her connection to NEWF 2022's "Africa Refocus" theme inspired ideas for wildlife, tourism, and filmmaking in Lusikisiki. Her stories, books, and lessons on nature and trauma provided profound inspiration, encouraging leadership rooted in personal experience and grounded efforts.
AuntyB's MasterDreamer Vision Board Workshop offered to us at the NEWF Summit is a transformative experience, blending cultural wisdom and introspection to uncover ancestral narratives shaping identity and life choices. It empowers participants to break cycles of trauma, embrace authenticity, and craft a balanced future.
I’ve had an incredible opportunity to vision board with Barbara and I cannot tell you the growth that has come from being present and challenged, In the beginning of each year, I search for this powerful woman, what an honour to witness her heart, work and the commitment to the African continent,
BDLS Africa, led by African strategist Barbara Lawrence-Strydom , has been a vital partner of the Motherland International Blues and Jazz Festival, providing sponsorship and fostering a deeper spiritual connection. Their shared vision, "No blues man goes hungry," highlights the strong alignment between the two brands. "Her connection to NEWF 2022's "Africa Refocus" theme inspired ideas for wildlife, tourism, and filmmaking in Lusikisiki. Her stories, books, and lessons on nature and trauma provided profound inspiration, encouraging leadership rooted in personal experience and grounded efforts.
Contact Us
info@auntybafrica.co.za
+27 83 632 3240 (Whatsapp)
Johannesburg, South Africa
