At Cadii, we are more than just a brand – we are a family-driven enterprise fuelled by a shared vision. With deep roots in Boksburg, Gauteng, we take pride in our South African heritage and strive to create products that exceed expectations.
Cadii Developments originated in 2006 when Fritz and Elise Steyn, a couple with four children, realised the financial burden of buying new school bags every term. Fritz, with a background in Architecture, and Elise, an experienced entrepreneur, came up with the idea of designing a wheeled bag to address this issue. They initially created an aluminum steel frame that could securely hold the original school bags using a stretchable strap.
However, the idea was temporarily shelved, and the frame became a toy car for their two sons. One day, when they saw it in their back yard, it sparked their memory of the original concept, and they decided to pursue it further. They began searching for an industrial designer who could help them bring their vision to life. They designed the first bag using a wooden prototype, which they used to refine and improve the design. To get a clearer idea of the bag’s appearance, they had a 3D plastic model created. To fund the next steps, Fritz and Elise took out a bond on their home and hired an industrial designer to create the first mould for the bag.
A big accomplishment was that the prototype has been awarded a patent since inception. It is protected by a registered patent, which acknowledges and safeguards the unique design and innovation.
The mould was delivered in 2008, marking the start of the production process. Initially, due to budget constraints, they imported the wheels and handle. But as the business progressed, they made the decision to manufacture all of the parts in South Africa, contributing to local job opportunities and boosting the economy.
The couple faced the task of choosing a name for the school bag. Inspired by the concept of a golf caddy, they settled on “Cadii”. The slogan they adopted was, “The revolutionary carry bag that’s the handy little helper that carries the heavy books for our kids.” Initially available in a limited number of colours, the Cadii bag range expanded to 74 colours, with a focus on school uniform colours. This evolved to 2022, where Cadii introduced vibrant new colours to their range.
The Cadii’s initial concept was that it can be used as a desktop as well. The child can sit on the ground using the lid as a table with the other tablet side to place books.
The Steyn family opened a factory in 2008 where they personally assembled the bags, and they actively promoted the product by visiting schools and conducting demonstrations. Everyone that saw the Cadii could identify a use for themselves. The bags were not only durable and colourful but also multifunctional, serving as seats, tables, and offering features such as water resistant and lock ability.
The positive feedback from children and parents fuelled the steady growth of the business. The Steyn family dedicated their weekends to assembling bags and sold them directly from a trestle table at the factory. As the business expanded, they hired more staff, leading to further growth and success.
Recognising the need for bags for younger toddlers, Cadii developed the “Todii” with the same concept in mind. The Todii bags were designed in 2014 and went into production in 2015. Starting with 26 pastel-coloured bags, the range eventually grew to include 30 vibrant colours, mirroring the Cadii color range.
Throughout their journey, Cadii faced obstacles such as sourcing wheels and handles locally. The plastic material is virgin polypropylene in the bags underwent several improvements to ensure the highest quality.
Cadii conducted extensive tests to develop a durable and long-lasting product. While they do not cover damages resulting from abuse, they offer a lifetime guarantee on any defects on parts.
From a personal drive to a own and manage a successful business, the Steyn family’s sacrifices and determination have been instrumental. Today, Cadii continues to provide innovative and reliable school bags that cater to the evolving needs of children and parents.
