Archive x Kind Kid Designer Toys

On March 6th, during First Thursdays, we stepped into a world where childhood memories took center stage. Sanele Qwabe latest collaboration with Archive South Africa for the Artist Project, transforming the simple joy of marbles into something deeper—art that holds memory, movement, and meaning.

The Archive’s Artist Project is an ode to South Africa’s creative landscape, the Artist Project sees the transformation of Archive’s physical and digital spaces into curated galleries. The Artist Project is more than a single event; it is an ongoing initiative dedicated to uplifting South African artists. Archive believes in creating a space where art meets commerce, allowing local talent to thrive and gain visibility on both local and international platforms.

About the Artist

Sanele Qwabe, a 29-year-old designer and founder of Kind Kid Company, from Richards Bay, channels his experiences growing up in a tight-knit coastal community into his toy designs, which blend art, nostalgia, and storytelling. Now based in Durban, Sanele utilizes his background in Information Design from the University of Pretoria to craft pieces that go beyond traditional toys; they become cultural artifacts. Through Kind Kid, Sanele brings childhood dreams to life, crafting collectible toys and artworks that explore themes of identity, memory, and imagination.

Through this project, Kind Kid reimagines toys as timeless artifacts, reminding us that the magic of youth never fades—it evolves.

This is more than nostalgia. It’s a statement. It’s culture. It’s the power of creativity to bridge generations.

📷: Lwando Mxutu

Two-piece: Group Chat