Love LEGO? Vote for South African creator's Ndebele design to become an official set!

The popularity of Lego has endured over the decades, as other 'toy' trends come and go.

That's partly thanks to the company constantly coming up with imaginative new ideas for its iconic interlocking bricks.

Now, with your help, a set featuring Ndebele design could become part of the Lego range.

Lindsay Swartbooi's Lego Ideas design, Explore Africa! Ndebele Tribe Hut Set, honours South Africa's famed Ndebele heritage.

It's the result of over two years of design, experimentation, and cultural research - 'a creative journey filled with structural challenges, mathematical puzzles, and plenty of joyful building'.

Replicating the circular wall structure of the traditional Ndebele home was one of the most difficult technical challenges, Swartbooi says.

"In a world with square bricks, this shape is surprisingly difficult!" 

Lindsay Swartbooi, Designer

"The thatch-textured roof... uses reddish and dark brown bricks to mimic the natural look of dried grass. A hidden hinge mechanism allows the roof to swing open - so you don’t just admire the hut from the outside, you get to explore the wonders inside, too."

Lindsay Swartbooi, Designer

Lego has always been her creative language, Swartbooi says.

And this project which is her 'love letter to African heritage', is just the beginning.

The designer says she dreams of expanding the Explore Africa! series to include other cultures, from Zulu beadwork and Xhosa rondavels to Cape Malay architecture and beyond.

Enthusiasts everywhere are encouraged to support the Ndebele build by voting on the Lego Ideas platform, where it requires 10 thousand votes to become an official Lego set.

Click here to vote for Swartbooi, and help get her creation onto shelves around the world!