Women use arts and crafts to make a difference

Mothomang Diaho, head of the Nelson Mandela Foundation’s Dialogue Programme, examines clothes at an exhibitor’s stall at the dialogue to commemorate International Women’s Day

March 8, 2008 – Women crafters from around the country showcased their work in an arts and crafts fair at a two-day event at the Presidential Guesthouse in Pretoria in honour of International Women’s Day, hosted by the departments of arts and culture and trade and industry.

The women, mostly from rural areas, displayed unique South African craftwork of exceptional quality. Their wares included teasets, vases, cushion covers, plastic animals, wire coasters and beadwork.

The women were also able to discuss the difficulties they faced running their businesses, such as financial support and sustainability, and accessing support from business and government. 

Ezeldah Mnisi from the Mpumalanga-based Mavayeye Business Enterprise said the business had struggled to maintain a steady stream of income to pay staff salaries and buy materials. She said that the Department of Arts and Culture had promised the company funds in 2007, but they had not yet received them. “Our business has gone down, from 23 women to seven … it’s difficult, but I still have hope.”

Nancy Moteana from Flamingo Telephone Wire Crafts said she was happy government had invited her to showcase Flamingo’s wares. Flamingo began in 2003 and has grown from five to 12 women.

The Winterveldt Arts and Culture Development group displays handmade beaded jewellery

Sandra Mukhithi, from Winterveldt Arts and Culture Development, said that she enjoyed working with her 15 female colleagues. “Women share ideas and teach each other,” she said.

Joselina Masimola from Elukwatini in Mpumalanga said the event was an excellent opportunity to “meet businesspeople who can appreciate our products, buy them and provide support in the future”. When she returns home, Masimola hopes to form a group of people who can collectively look for funding for their projects.

The Gauteng Creative Industries Co-op displays colourful bags and cushions

Ntombazana Botha, the deputy minister of Arts and Culture, said the most important thing about the event was to encourage women to realise their strength. “I’m hoping that women will begin to realise the power they have within themselves to make things happen, to be aware of and believe in themselves,” she said.

A craftswoman exhibits her modern beaded products

Botha urged women to use their capabilities. “I think the publicity from this event will send a strong message to women that this is a struggle that continues. We should not lose hope. Women out there are determined to make a change. I hope that this event will send a message that we must unite to create a better life for all of us.”

Deputy Minister for Trade and Industry Elizabeth Thabethe asked in an interview at the event, “How do we deal with making sure women get out of poverty and underdevelopment through culture and arts? There are so many people who have the potential, but not yet the ‘brand names’. The challenge is to uplift them.”

See the related gallery on the International Women’s Day event held in Pretoria, South Africa.