Hall of growth 2010 eng

Hall of Growth - Royal Show 2 1 -

Hall of Growth Supplement May 2010

2010 HALL OF GROWTH… A PROUD GLIMPSE INTO THE EXCITING ARTS AND CRAFTS OF KZN’S SMME SECTOR T he 2010 Hall of Growth, one of the features of this year’s Royal Agricultural Show, is much more than just a bridge linking the formal and informal sectors of our country’s economy. The exhibition opens the window on KwaZulu-Natal’s vibrant and creative SMME sector and the work being done in helping produce successful and sustainable entrepreneurship.

Step into the hall and the beauty of all that is on display is overwhelming. Speak to the artists and craft people and listen to their fascinating stories.

One cannot help but walk away proud that our province is a repository of such immense

indigenous skill.

Opening the 2010 Hall of Growth Finance MEC Ina Cronje (MEC for Finance and Acting MEC for Economic Development and Tourism) said it was critical for co-operatives, small, medium and micro enterprises to develop and seek opportunities to climb up the economic ladder, and that, the success of these initiatives depended very much on partnerships between government and the private sector.

The Hall of Growth initiative is a partnership amongst the Pietermaritzburg Chamber of Business (PCB) and the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Economic Development and

Tourism (DEDT).

Cronje added that this year’s exhibition was indeed special owing to the euphoria surrounding the 2010 Fifa Soccer World Cup™.

“Programme Director, as all of us know, this year’s exhibition is special owing to the fact that it comes at the time when euphoria has gripped the country as we all wait with bated breath for, what is perhaps the greatest moment in our lifetime, the 2010 Fifa Soccer World Cup. We have no doubt that when that hour comes we will, as we have done in the past, rise up to the occasion and give the world the most spectacular and

successful soccer world cup in history,” said Cronje adding that the promotion of sustainable SMMEs is an important element in the creation of employment.

“The official opening of the KZN Hall of Growth Exhibition therefore represents the effectiveness of the partnerships and linkages we have created in support and the promotion of small enterprises in the province of KwaZulu-Natal.

“Ten co-operatives and 13 SMMEs will exhibit at this hall.

We have no doubt that this will open a number of opportunities for them to grow their businesses and in turn create much needed employment for our

people,” concluded Cronje.

Most of the arts and craft on display in the Hall of Growth are hand-made and cannot be found in first economy stores or malls.

The opportunity to display and sell these goods to the huge numbers of people attending the show represents not only the potential to generate income, but, an opportunity for the exhibitors to benefit from the learning experience.

So, if it is exclusive gifts you’re after, a tourism token for foreign guests, a piece of local decor for your home, then, look no further than the 2010 Hall of Growth at the Royal Agricultural Show. Proudly South African!

Top: Zandile Ntusi of Sinothando show casing her goods.

Right: Ina Cronje purchases an ornament from Thembi Kubhela of Vulamehlo Craft.

“BUILDING AN ECONOMY THAT CREATES OPPORTUINTIES FOR ALL AND MAKING TOURISM TO WORK FOR US ALL”

Hall of Growth

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OUR BIGGEST CHALLENGE IS TO HELP SMMEs BECOME SELF-SUFFICIENT The Royal Show is the second largest in the country and is increasingly attracting international markets. At this juncture, we wish to express our appreciation for the partnership that exists between our Department, the Pietermaritzburg Chamber of Business and the Royal Agricultural Society which has resulted in the KZN Hall of Growth Exhibition as an anchor and key feature of the Royal Show for Ina Cronje the past three years.

MEC for Finance and Acting MEC It is gratifying to note that for Economic Development and the government, private sector Tourism and the community are working together to address our developt is indeed an honour for mental needs. The reality is that us as the Department of the enormity of the challenges Economic Development facing our country and indeed and Tourism (DEDT) to be part our province cannot be adof this year’s Royal Show, an dressed by government working annual event and KwaZuluNatal’s premier Agricultural and alone. It is only when we work together collectively that we can Commercial Exhibition.

As all of us know, this year’s tackle all the challenges facing our province. exhibition is special owing to As a department which plays the fact that it comes at the time a critical role in driving growth when euphoria has gripped the country as we all wait with bated in the province we believe that the small business sector has breath for, what is perhaps the greatest moment in our lifetime, an important role to play in the development and growth of the the 2010 Fifa Soccer World economy.

CupTM.

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In KwaZulu –Natal, we are striving to create a competitive small business sector, and in the 2010/2011 provincial budget we provides resources in support of SMME development, co-operatives and project development.

One of our objectives is to support our people and give them an opportunity to step up the economic ladder.

In KwaZulu-Natal, the support for SMMEs and co-operatives by our Department remains one of the vehicles through which we want to accomplish this. In this regard, our Department: •

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Has developed the KZN Integrated Business Programme which forms the basis for the development and promotion of small enterprises in the province.

Has established the SMME Co-operative One Stop Shop Business Support Centres in all districts.

Continues to improve integrated business support services to existing and new SMMEs and co-operatives: In 2009/10 financial year

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981 SMMEs received training in business management and basic computer skills in partnership with Further Education Colleges (FETs) in KwaZulu –Natal.

In partnership with the Department of Education has developed and trained 73 school nutrition co-operatives and they received funding of R8m through the Co-operative Development Fund managed by Ithala.

These co-operatives have signed a contract with the Department of Education to the value of R52 million for the provision of school nutrition to 369 primary schools. This partnership has seen 438 jobs created.

Our Department is working flat out in preparation for the establishment of the KwaZulu-Natal Co-operative Development Academy which will focus on improving the necessary skills and knowledge for a vibrant Co-operative movement in the province. In this regard, the suitable premises for the Academy have been identi-

ACCESS TO MARKET: A SMALL ENTERPRISE CHALLENGE

Andrew Layman CEO: Pietermaritzburg Chamber of Commerce

There are many challenges facing entrepreneurs who are trying to establish small and micro businesses. One that seems to escape the planning phase is the question of access to market.

Who is going to buy the product or use the service? Traditional forms of marketing are extremely expensive and, quite often,

ineffective. While supermarkets and other retailers record positive results from their newspaper advertisements, few other advertisers yield results which justify the high cost. Posters and signs are also expensive, and generally beyond the pocket of a struggling entrepreneur. In the modern day, people are using the electronic social networks to market successfully. These are cheap and increasingly effective, but virtually inaccessible to emerging business operators who are neither computer literate nor lucky enough to own the necessary hard and software. Exhibition offers another medium that can prove very successful, but only if the high cost of exhibition space can be avoided.

Thus, the opportunity provided by the Department of Economic Development and Tourism which, in partnership with the Pietermaritzburg

Chamber of Business extensively subsidizes a number of micro and small enterprises, as well as co-operatives, to enable them to showcase their wares at the Royal Show, is extremely valuable. This is a practical way in which the DEDT shows its commitment to the emerging business sector, as well as its recognition of the value of cooperatives and small business as far as the provincial economy is concerned.

The Chamber, which manages Hall 1, is delighted to collaborate with the DEDT in this venture. This partnership is now several years old and the PCB is proud to have played some part in the promotion of businesses that have made sales on the Show and after. The DEDT’s occupation of the Hall also enables it to provide accessibility to visitors who are keen to learn of the department’s services and support functions.

Like all other aspects of business practice, exhibiting at shows of this nature requires an understanding of the customer as well as techniques by which the quality of exhibition may be improved. Many Royal Show exhibitors, even those that are established, functional businesses, do not fully appreciate what is involved in staging a really successful exhibition. An exhibition provides direct access to potential customers and must be exploited in such a way that these people either commit to a purchase there and then, or at least come later with an interest in what the business has to offer.

In order to give the emerging exhibitors some insights into how best to utilize the opportunity, the PCB conducted a workshop in which some of the techniques were explained. While the physical aspects of an exhibit cost money, and will be beyond the ability of these exhibitors

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fied and the negotiations regarding the leasing of the premises are currently underway Ensures the success of co-operatives and SMMEs, we (as government) are exploring ways to improve our procurement systems to offer market opportunities to the small businesses and co-operatives.

We have no doubt that government’s assistance will go a long way towards helping many co-operatives and SMMEs to realise their potential. However, the biggest challenge facing all of us is to ensure that these small enterprises are weaned from government assistance and become self sufficient. This will contribute immensely towards creating jobs and ensuring that we extricate our people from the mire of poverty and hopelessness.

May the official opening of the KZN Hall of Growth inspire many of us especially, the SMMEs and co-operatives, to start and run successful businesses.

to afford, the person-to-person engagement which is an important facet of successful business practice, is not expensive at all.

The DEDT has many programmes to support small enterprises, and this is one that offers a unique opportunity.

The identification of markets and the exploitation of them are generally thought to be responsibilities that an enterprise must undertake itself. Any entrepreneur will confirm that this is one of the most difficult things confronting a new business.

Through its foresight, and genuine commitment to providing as much assistance and support as possible, the provincial government, through its Department of Economic Development and Tourism, has provided at least a chance for some of the province’s emerging businesses to meet the market at the Royal Show.

“BUILDING AN ECONOMY THAT CREATES OPPORTUINTIES FOR ALL AND MAKING TOURISM TO WORK FOR US ALL”

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ith so much emphasis on protecting the environment and avoiding using plastic bags, Precious Zwane has seized the opportunity by starting a shopping bags manufacturing business.

This woman who hails from Newcastle’s Osizweni Township said she has always been interested in sewing. However it was not until January this year that she seriously delved into the business of sewing foldable shopping bags.

“At the moment I’m waiting for my bar code to be approved

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BEST EVER 2 HAVE

which will enable me to supply all types of retail outlets. I’m working alone at the moment, but when my business grows, I’m prepared to hire more staff”.

She said having overcome her fears of venturing into business, it her dream to inspire other women to take the chance.

She said her success is based on the uniqueness of the fabric she uses as it is different from that of the bags sold in large retail outlets. “My grocery bags are strong and they don’t look like the others. They have a folding space which makes it

possible to store them easily”, said Zwane.

She also makes special compact discs (CDs) bags which are made from transparent plastic.

She said this idea came to her after noticing that many people owned CD’s. These bags help the people not to search for the CD they are looking for because it is visible through the clear plastic”.

Like in any other business, she too has encountered problems along the way. “There are challenges but so far I can cope.

My customers are very good

EKHAYA BEAUTY

abongi Mthethwa took an unfamiliar path to success when she decided to offer her services for free in the face of an ignorant and reluctant market.

The proud owner of Ekhaya Beauty said she had high hopes back in 2005 when she returned to Pietermaritzburg from

London where she had undergone training about everything pertaining to beauty. However the shock for her was realising that black people had absolutely no clue that they could to a professional like her. Terms such as pedicure, waxing and facial massages were not familiar to many people.

Faced with this shocking reality check, Mthethwa was not discouraged but instead she embarked on a campaign to educate and build her own market by offering treatment to potential clients for free.

Coupled with that were a series of presentations she conducted in workplaces and people’s homes just to get her targeted market to understand what beauty entails.

She says her strategy paid off as her business started to grow.

The hardworking Mthethwa has not rested on her laurels. Despite running a fully fledged operation, she still finds time to go on call outs if her clients demand it.

“I reach people in their offices and homes because they are my customers and I have to do what they want”.

Her latest challenge is that of educating men that her services are for them to. “It is surprising how some males want to look good these days,” she said.

UKUZAMA KOMAMA CO-OPERATIVE

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kuzama Komama Co-operative consist’s of 15 dedicated women pensioners from Bhobhobho, Northen Kwa-Zulu Natal.

Most of these women, despite their ages are heads of their families. Emenfrida Duma (71), who is part of the cooperative said they are all pensioners trying to make extra money because raising their grandchildren is not cheap.

They manufacture mats and bags using wool. The group was founded in 1982 but only registered as a cooperative in 2007.

“When we started our business it was from a sponsorship from

our church,” said Duma.

She said their rural base makes it very difficult for their business to succeed and their age is also another factor.

“One of the biggest challenges we have experienced was to see our members giving up when things were tough and leaving the group.

Now that we are successful, it is difficult for us to see them struggling to make a living. Not that we are rich but we are doing well we can see the fruits of our hard work”, she said.

because they give me feedback and advice, especially on which colours I should use when making the bags”, she said.

“My wish is to see my prod-

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ucts sold in a lot of bag shops in the future and to own my bag manufacturing factor”, said Zwane.

GCINALISHONA CO-OPERATIVE

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he Gcinalishona Cooperative specializes in ceramic and bead work is based in the Port Shepstone area of Oshabeni.

There are eight members altogether. Manning the group’s stand at the Royal Agricultural Show were some of its members, Nomathamsanqa Hlophe (33) and Thulisile Gasa (37).

The two women said with the rate of unemployment being so high in the country, they decided to stand up and do things for themselves.

They said after they decided to a register their Co-operative in 2001, DEDT has helped them a lot not only with exhibitions but with funding as well. “We have been lucky to get funding from the department. They have also been our pillar of strength

because they help us with whatever problems we may have.

Even when we are confronted with financial problems, they come to the party” said Hlophe.

The Gcinalishona Co-operative has over the years had to overcome problems ranging from the shortage of materials and not having a proper market to sell their work. They also said they still need training as not all members have perfected their skills in ceramic work. This is not an easy skill to master, they said, because it demands focus and proper calculation.

The two members said they want to see their Co-operative succeed more than it already has and they want to sell their product to people all over South Africa and overseas.

“BUILDING AN ECONOMY THAT CREATES OPPORTUINTIES FOR ALL AND MAKING TOURISM TO WORK FOR US ALL”

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Profiles

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he two Thabethe brothers have smashed the stereotype about beadwork and clay moulding being the preserve of women.

Bheki and Nhlanhla who hail from KwaCeza in Zululand started their business in 1985 and they now employ 10 people.

Using clay and beads they make bangles, necklaces and vases.

Bheki said he is grateful that DEDT gave them exposure by bringing them to this year’s Royal Agricultural Show in Pietermaritzburg. “This is a lifetime opportunity that every young entrepreneur must seize with both hands”, he said.

Hall of Growth ISU ART

He said first and foremost they are businessmen who want to succeed and have a bright future. Every day, he said, they take inspiration and motivation from seeing their staff able to look after their families from what they earn.

Reflecting on how he got into this sector, he said he was unemployed and realised he had to do something instead of moaning about lack of job opportunities. It was at that difficult time with no source of income that he decided to use his artistic talent he always had from his schooldays where he excelled in woodwork. Once his mind was made up, Bheki Trading was formed.

“A man cannot sit around if the situation is bad at home.

The other thing that pushed me was seeing people of other races doing something to improve their lives. These races can live with what they make using their hands. I realised that I could also put food on my family able if I used my brains and put ideas together,” said Bheki.

He said his talent from school came in handy when the

business took its first tentative steps. “It was this confidence about my artistic ability that allowed us to make it through the early days. I could trust my ability”.

However as many small businesses soon realise, starting a business with a good idea is not always enough. Getting a market to sell your products is an equally important part of the business. This was Bheki Trading’s harshest lesson.

“At the beginning, no one bought our products. We had to introduce ourselves to people and that was the hard part.

People had to know us and we had to market ourselves to them.

It was the biggest challenge, but because we were driven by a desire to succeed, things slowly came together. In life, challenges are overcome easily if you face them with courage”.

He said their future plans are to employ more people as a sign of showing gratitude for their support. Bheki also dreams of being hired to teach art in schools. “I’d love to pass on this knowledge to the children who are growing up”, he said.

TEAM WORKS CO-OPERATIVE

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eam Works Co-operative had one of the most colourful stalls at the DEDT’s Hall of Growth this year.

This was largely due to the wide range of colourful paintings on display.

Team Works Co-operative is owned by S’fiso Ngcobo (35) and Bheki Khambule (33) who hail from Durban’s Ntuzuma Township. The artists said their paintings are a reflection of their past, the present and future.

The two said the hard work they have had to put in, and the hurdles they have encountered are the reason they still stand strong.

Ngcobo said they are happy to have been given a chance to exhibit their work at such a highly recognized place like the Royal Agricultural Show. They

said the public had responded positively to their work and they had already sold some items in the few hours after the show had opened. Ngcobo said they work as individuals but it is to their advantage to be in one company.

He said this is because they can learn from each other as much as they teach each other a lot.

The two artists said they have DEDT to thank for the advice and encouragement to work as a co-operative.

“The department has been great, we are thankful to the DEDT for believing in our work,” said Ngcobo.

Team Works said the biggest problem they have is accessing the market where they can sell their work. Ngcobo said it is difficult for many artists to make a living because they are neglected.

Despite this, Ngcobo said their future plans are to show young kids in high schools and the unemployed youth that art can be a career and a business.

They also plan to teach up and coming artists how to handle the business.

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KUYASA INDABA CO-OPERATIVE

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uyasa Indaba is based in Mnambithi and specialises in the business of sewing school uniforms, slow cookers and bead work. The Cooperative was founded in 2007 by a group of unemployed women who were trying to make a living for themselves and their families. Christina Mswane (51) is one of the 13 members of Kuyasa Indaba Co-operative.

Mswane said their getting together at first may have been because of unemployment and poverty but now they are driven by the collective desire to make it in life.

Mswane said the biggest challenge in their co-op is that when they started out they were a big group but the numbers soon dwindled to the present 13 members after the first difficulties were encountered.

She said a lot of their members dropped out because they lacked discipline and dedication.

However those who remained are proud of their decision as they have emerged from those challenges and now enjoy the fruits of their dedication.

She said DEDT has been a great help to them. They have been invited to most of the

exhibitions organised by the department. The department has also helped them by giving them helpful advice when they need it.

Mswane said their dream for the upcoming years is to create jobs for themselves and their local community.

“We believe in helping others. We believe that we should share the little that we have with other people who are less fortunate than us. We want to get the young girls in our community off the streets and teach them what we are doing because they can earn a living like us from making school uniform, slow cookers and bead work”, she said..

IKUSASELIHLE

ombulelo Madonda is a former domestic worker who took a risk by starting her own business after she quit her job in 2006.

She manufactures necklaces, bangles, bags and traditional wear using beads. She feels she has finally arrived in the business world because she has gone through so many hardships which have not discouraged her.

“Right now I am working on educating people to know and appreciate my work especially because then they will not be so reluctant to pay my prices”, she said. Madonda also designs wedding gowns and wedding outfits which she also hires out.

She said her breakthrough was when she designed her first wedding gown. Right now she is focusing on expanding her business.

“BUILDING AN ECONOMY THAT CREATES OPPORTUINTIES FOR ALL AND MAKING TOURISM TO WORK FOR US ALL”

Royal Show 2 1 INHLOSO CO-OP MANUFACTURING PROJECT “The people made us”

phenomenal.

Their products are not randomly he three women behind designed but well the Inhloso co-operative thought through. which produces bags “Whenever we made with raffia and twine say make a bag we they are not content with their try to make sure success. They said they plan to that it represents build their own factory in order something. We to create jobs for others eventualso have ladies’ ally. shoes in a style The trio who all hail from that has become Waterloo in Durban are Nonvery popular with hlanhla Ngobese, Nobuhle the ladies.”

Khomo and Zandile Maseko.

Ngobese said They were unemployed in 2007 one of the leswhen they came up with the idea to manufacture fashionable sons for them was that you need to bags that could be carried to any occasion. They use brightly analyse everything in the busicoloured discarded plastic shop- ness. “When we started out, we had no market to sell to and ping bags and weave them into stylish bags with patterns of the also we had no way to market our products so we only sold to South African flag. Currently our neighbours and this was not the group is struggling to meet easy. But this is what brought the demand for cell phones us success because people who pouches which have become so saw our neighbours carrying our popular they are always workbags started placing orders with ing behind schedule. Ngobese said the demand has simply been us. Now you can say it was a

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NOMNCEDISI ARTS AND CRAFT COMPANY

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ozipho Xhelithole from UMzimkhulu has been involved in bead work since 2008. Her work includes necklaces, earrings, T-shirts and traditional skirts. Her dream, she said, has always been to empower other people. She said

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whilst growing up she thought of herself as a business woman who would help others in what she is good at.

She said the consistent help and advice provided to small operators like her by DEDT has given her and many others hope. “The exposure of my work gives me hope that I will succeed”, she said. “I look back to when I started, selling from home and introducing myself to people to know me, it was not easy” she said.

What kept her going was her unshakable belief in her destiny

and will to succeed.

“The response you receive from people towards your work is not the same. Every day when marketing yourself there are different responses. Every day you have to accept and learn from it. It doesn’t mean that it will always be bad. If one day is good you have to be grateful.

I have always loved handwork and challenges had no chance of standing in my way,” said Xhelithole.

She said another challenge is that there are many people who are involved in bead work.

“There is a lot of competition in bead work and that is where your weaknesses are shown. A weak person cannot survive in bead work because you need to be strong”.

KUSILE ZULU-TRADING

fter losing his job in the South African Police Service in 2005, Celinkosi Ndiyaza decided to look for other opportunities in life. It was then that his business which he runs with his wife, Khona was founded.

The lovely couple from Empangeni make toilet paper, cleaning chemicals, embroidery and t-shirts. He also supplies stationery to offices around the area. The Ndiyazas’ are also suppliers of toilet papers to Pick n Pay in Empangeni which is a big step for them.

Speaking about their unique

partnership, Ndiyaza said it was easy to work with his wife. “We plan together and brainstorm ideas that could lift business. We both understand what we have to do to make it work. We are cautious because we know that if we mess things that would be the end of the family business”, he said.

The challenge Ndiyaza is faced with is meeting the demand for his products. “Sometimes I get short of stock and it makes it difficult for me to meet the demand. I need to increase capacity and understand my market. Once that is sorted out

NONGOMA TOURISM ARTS AND CRAFT CO-OPERATIVE

N good marketing strategy but we did not realise this at the time”, said Ngobese.

The group also realised that word of mouth marketing could not be their sole marketing strategy and soon ordered catalogues, business cards and pamphlets.

Now with a settled business, the three women can allow themselves to dream big.

I’ll be able to rest beacause I still find it hard if I can’t reach that demand, “ he said.

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ongoma Tourism Arts Craft Co-operative which has 15 women members specialises in beadwork and weaving.

One of the co-operative’s members, Bongiwe Zulu (42) says all their members are from the Nongoma area of Enjampeni. The group was formed in 1999.

Zulu said they are successful because they work as a team and they know that nothing comes for free.

She said they started out by making earrings and bangles for each other but now they are producing beadworks and a variety of woven products to sell.

They manufacture small items such as keyholders and earrings to cigarette lighter covers, cups, shirts, belts and more. They also weave things like linen baskets and shopping baskets.

Zulu said they are very lucky to be from Nongoma because there are a lot of tourists coming to their town. “The challenge

for us is to find a single place to sell where all our clients can find us,” said Zulu.

The group has travelled as far as Mauritius to sell their work, thanks to DEDT. Zulu said their immediate goal is to build a market in Nongoma as they realize what a positive impact it would have in their success.

MLUVE HURTS JEWELLERY DESIGN CC

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lungisi Mahlaba (25) and Sandile Ndlovu started the jewellery design business just a year ago yet he already dreams of owning a string of shops around the country one day. Clearly a goal driven person, Mlungisi says making it into the industry is not enough for him as his dream is to become the best jewellery designer in the country.

He produces rings, bracelets, necklaces, earrings. His choice of raw materials ranges from wood, bones, to vinyl and silver.

The young man from Port Shepstone is the only person in

his business but said he relies on his friends for help when he needs an extra hand.

Mahlaba said his biggest challenge has been finding space so he can open his own shop. “In addition to that is the problem of acquiring tools and other equipment which is rare and very expensive”.

“It is such a pleasure when people identify my work and believe in me enough to want to help me reach my dream,” said Mahlaba.

His dream is to be the best jewellery designer in the country.

“BUILDING AN ECONOMY THAT CREATES OPPORTUINTIES FOR ALL AND MAKING TOURISM TO WORK FOR US ALL”

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Profiles

Hall of Growth

NORWOOD TOURISM AND GENERAL SUPPLIER

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orwood Tourism and General Supplier is a fairytale story as its owner Gugu Shabalala has never been employed but now finds himself employing many people in his area.

The company which is based in the KwaZulu-Natal midlands, town of Estcourt specialises in diverse products from Zulu

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traditional garments such as shoes, hats to takkies. Then there are the wood carvings and Zulu traditional foods.

This clever businessman may look like a jack of all trades but he says some of his products are designed to draw attention of the customers to his business.

Altogether he employs 16 people.

He said there have been harsh lessons along the way, but he has taken it all in stride.

One of the biggest problems he faced was having to overcome the shame of selling from door to door. “Sometimes it was hard convincing people to buy my goods, but hey I’m over that now”, he said.

PHAKAMANI DUBE CO-OP

lthough Phakamani Dube Co-operative comes from the small midlands town of Estcourt, their ideas are very big and their approach is global. Take for example their best selling popular vuvuzela which is painted in the colours of the South African flag.

Ntombifikile Nxumalo, who is a member of the co-operative said their Vuvuzelas are being bought like hot cakes because of the hype around the Soccer World Cup which is just around the corner.

She said what make their vuvuzelas unique is that they are customised in the colours of the national flag. “Everybody is excited about the World Cup and the business is going well on our

side. We seized the opportunity and we are no longer mourning about bad business anymore”.

The Phakamani Dube Cooperative realises that the World Cup was just a short term opportunity. Despite not being primarily focused on vuvuzelas, they seized the moment. Their core work is beadwork, especially bangles, cups and necklaces.

The co-operative was started in 1998 although they continued accepting members till later.

Nxumalo joined the co-operative in 2000 soon after she matriculated.

“I saw it as an opportunity to be part of the co-op. I didn’t have money for tertiary education and I decided that I should not relax and do nothing about my life. I couldn’t stay at home

VULAMEHLO CRAFT their work. Working from the market with so many others has taught us a lot because there are different people with different talents. It has helped to develop our creativity.

In fact it is not surprising now to see women doing wood work. I can say without any doubts that our market is like a school where we all learn different things from each other every day”, ulamehlo Craft is she said. owned by two members, She said at first it was hard Thembi Kubheka and to find buyers for their products.

Bongiwe Mthethwa both from “We had to network with the Emtuba. The two women started people in our area to help us to the business in 1990 when they find a suitable spot to display produced beadwork to sell to our wares. However once the the tourists who passed through market was identified, doing their area. The two women make business became enjoyable”. necklaces, bangles and belts”.

“Our passion is the youth.

Mthethwa said when they They should stand up and do started out; their priority was something that the whole comsimply to make money. Howevmunity of Emtuba would be er when they realised that their proud of. Doing something with work was a hit with the tourist positive outcomes is better than they took it more seriously. involving themselves in drugs,” “We sell from a huge market said Mthethwa. where many local artists bring

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His imagination has also seen him provide income to many pensioners in his area by giving them work to knit scarves in Bafana Bafana colours. He said with the country currently in a tiz about the 2010 Fifa World CupTM, this part of his business is doing very well.

“The scarves are in demand and everybody wants to own one”.

and complain that I’m poor because I couldn’t pursue my dream. I joined the group and I have no regrets like others. Life is not about complaining. I’m too young to sit and complain.

I know that God gave me my hands to use them and that is what I’m doing”.

The group have a centre in Hlathikhulu where they sell their goods. “We could have worried about having no support from the people in our area but we decided to aim high. Our courage resulted to a good positive response. There is nothing exciting than people asking about and just admiring your own work,” said Nxumalo.

“Being in the business has taught me that one must always come up with ideas that can

assist the co-operative to grow.

It has made me strong and I’m the witness that anything is possible if you know what you want in life. It’s a challenge to my peers that you can make or destroy your future if you keep mourning about the hardships in your life. Face challenges and do good to survive in this world,” she said.

She said being part of the Royal Agricultural Show has given them invaluable exposure which is a relief for them as a group. “We were pleasantly surprised when we were told to come for exhibition”, she said.

“Having a stand here and people looking at our beads has been a dream come true.

DEDT’s involvement makes a difference to many youth inter-

ested in business. We hope after the show we will receive more orders from people wanting to buy our stuff,” said Nxumalo.

UNLIMITTED SKILLS JEWELLERY MANUFACTURERS

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his cooperative is on the brink of making history in South Africa as they will be amongst the very first black owned accredited jewellery design and repair shops once the SABS accreditation is processed.

Nelson Zwane (28) originally from Gauteng, who moved to Danhauser as a teacher after graduating in Jewellery Design and Manufacturing is the brains behind the business. After three years teaching at the college, he lost his job and soon found himself struggling to make ends meet. For him that was an opportunity to finally get to do what he loved most, working hands-on on jewellery. He recruited his best student Lindiwe Kubheka (32) and Angela Sabisa (31), the latter for her expertise in managing books and finances.

Today they have moved from operating from his backroom and are proud owners of a shop

in the centre of town. Soon they will be able to repair and modify jewellery for big retailers like Game Stores and American Swiss once their SABS accreditation is finally approved.

Zwane said what makes them unique with on the manufacturing side, is that they offer very unique African designs and all

their designs are once off. Their big break was when they were funded by the Amajuba District Municipality to buy tools and equipment for their shop, said Zwane.

“BUILDING AN ECONOMY THAT CREATES OPPORTUINTIES FOR ALL AND MAKING TOURISM TO WORK FOR US ALL”

Royal Show 2 1 SINOTHANDO

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inothando means we have love”, said Zandile Ntusi from Mnambithi. This cooperative was started in 2005 by five members who now have 15 helpers. The all-women organisation focuses on people living with HIV/Aids.

The organisation’s members are Ntusi, Zanele Hlongwane, Lucia Mthunywa, Phumzile Shabalala and Happy Mhlakwana.

The five members volunteered to help by gathering others in their community to do bead

work. The organisation produces bangles, necklaces, shoes and traditional hats embroidered with beads. The organisation’s multipronged approach of producing beadwork for income and at the same time conduct reach out campaigns in their community makes it unique.

Ntusi said there were tough lessons for them when they conducted door to door visits to see people with HIV/Aids. Her words were echoed by Mthethwa. “It was hard to get people to open up and talk about the virus.

It took time for people to understand what we were trying to do”, she said.

However progress has been made from the early days as they now have 15 helpers who have joined them.

She also acknowledged the work done by the Mpilonhle Project which she said helps people with HIV/ Aids in their area.

“Our future plans are to find an easier way to make people feel free to disclose their status,” said Ntusi.

WONDERWIRE CC

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reativity and the dream to make something out of his life were the two things that drove Wonder Mudznegerere (34) to be where he is today.

Mudznegerere from Caluza in Edendale said he uses wire and beads to create everything that he sees on the streets with his hands. He makes key holders, tissue holders, various decorative items that that can be used around the house, welcome home signs for the front door and more. Mudznegerere has been making things with wire since 1992, after finding it difficult to get a permanent job for

a long time. He said he created a client base for himself but there is still a lot to be done before he can reach where he wants to be.

‘I take my work seriously that that is why every piece that I make, I try to make it perfectly.

I don’t want sell it before I am satisfied that I have done my best”, said Mudznegerere. “ I have been fortunate enough for my work to be seen by people like Andrew Layman, the Chief Executive Officer of the Pietermaritzburg Chamber of Business. He does not only buy, he sometimes takes my stuff and displays it in his office for other people to see”.

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Profiles UBUHLEBAMALWANDLE

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hulile Ngwenya, Gabriel Buthelezi and Sipho Duma own a fashion and textile design business which they started in 2006. The trio from UThukela, in northern KwaZulu-Natal said they knew instantly they had stumbled onto a good idea because everybody wants to look good.

They also manufacture wedding gowns and aprons, the latter being always in demand for events and functions. Their

are there to make it possible”, she said.

However the group knows that they operate in a competitive world where complacency can be your downfall. “We always try to make sure that our designs are unique because that is what makes us successful. Our designs are different and that’s deliberate because you lose your edge if you produce work that is similar to what is already out there on the market”, she said.

Ngwenya said they are proud that their success has resulted in job creation as they now employ three other people. “The knowledge that we are helping others gives us a good feeling”, she said.

“In our business we succeed because there are no egos. We help each other and share ideas.

Everyone is welcome to come up with new ideas. There is no boss. Everyone is a boss”. product range also includes She said she trusts that with cushions made from a rare and more exposure at this year’s very soft material. According to Royal Agricultural Show, they Ngwenya, embroidery is also a will be able to break out of big part of their business as it their local community and start has attracted many customers to serve customers from other for them However, such is the diversi- areas. She said for them, the ty of their business that they also department has been key to provide catering services as well their success especially because of the many workshops which as decorating and draping for helped them understand what is weddings and other occasions. required to succeed in the busi“It is every woman’s dream to look good on her big day and we ness world.

THUTHUKANI LEATHER WORKS

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his cooperative sells cushions, bags, shoes, files and imvunulo made from leather. The brains behind the business are Mzwandile Madlala, Mthetheleli Mtolo and Mzikayise Nkomesele all from Mzimkhulu who started the business in 2007.

Madlala said what has kept them going is the knowledge that the potential of their fledging business will one day be fulfilled. The Hall of Growth had been beneficial not just by exposing their products to the market, but also by giving them an opportunity to network with others and share experiences and tips. “Some of the people have been through what we are going through now and we can only learn from them”, he said.

Madlala who is the leader of the business said their main

challenge is ordering raw materials which require a lot of money. “The raw material is expensive and sometimes we can’t afford to order it because of cash flow challenges. We pass on these costs to our customers but they are sensitive about price so they end up not buying from us. As a business we rely on customers so if there are no customers there is no business. We have also come up with an idea to generate a bigger customer base.

We hope that by being here part of this will be achieved”.

He said their customers are in far

flung places such as Eastern Cape. The cooperative produces unique shoes which are stitched in a special way.

“BUILDING AN ECONOMY THAT CREATES OPPORTUINTIES FOR ALL AND MAKING TOURISM TO WORK FOR US ALL”

8

Profiles

Hall of Growth

KHANGISA

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humzile Zondi says she is close to living her dream as she not only does what she loves but is also close to getting paid very well for it.

This woman from KwaPata, in Pietermaritzburg has found a niche in the crowded beadwork industry.

Zondi specialises in creating portraits using beads. Her work is a hit with the locals and foreigners alike. She said because her work is unique, many people are drawn to it. For Zondi this was almost an accidental detour

ZILUNGISELE CO-OPERATIVE

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group of 20 women from the rural north of KwaZulu-Natal say they are happy that they seized an opportunity created for them two years to become self employed.

The group manufactures woven products using sisan, a product extracted from reeds.

in her profession as she started out simply hiring out traditional clothes. Her portraits are very colourful, borrowing from the South African flag as well as various flags of the political parties. She said her choice of the symbolical things like flags were inspired by her appreciation for history.

She says some people do not appreciate the amount of time iana-B Creations is it takes for her to produce just owned by a young one portrait and as a result they fashion designer from haggle over the price but hopes Ashburton, outside Pieterthat this will change in time. maritzburg who is thankful for the exposure by DEDT. Zanele Bhengu started her business in 2007 aiming to fly high in the fashion design industry.

Her range of bridal wear and matric ball gowns has gained recognition from many quarters. seeing his drawing of a map, Bhengu said she is returning suggested that he attends art for the second time to the exhiclasses and take art seriously. He bition and it was a memorable has not looked back since. day when she heard the news Danca’s paintings are influfrom the department. enced by tradition and culture.

Such was the success of He sells his artworks to people her first exhibition in 2008 that in his community and sends even today she is still receiving some overseas. He said the bigcorrespondence from people in gest sale he has many parts of the world includmade so far was ing Netherlands. when he sold 15 Bhengu said what makes paintings to a her designs unique is that she hotel owner from mixes different fabrics. She Cape Town. said mixing fabric was one of He said the the techniques that she learnt response to at Linia Academy where she his work has studied fashion design. strengthened his In a bid to stay a step ahead ambition to own of her competitors, she has stuck his own arts galto buying most of her fabrics lery. “In a couple directly from China. “I want to of years to come be different and do things that I want to own my other designers cannot do. I try own art gallery to come up with something that where I will not is different all the time. It is only showcase not easy because that means I my own work have to be creative to reach that but that of other level,” she said. struggling black Exposure is a challenge artist,” said that most designers are faced Danca. with, said Bhengu. “I believe

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The women now belong to Zilungisele Cooperative, which has exhibited as far as the United States of America and Europe.

All based in KwaMaphumulo, they said they formed the group after hearing of a government initiative to empower

women in the area two years ago.

The group manufactures bags, mats, toilet tissue hangers, shoe hangers, washing buckets and earrings using the rare sisan grass. The grass is known for its strength which means their products are durable.

One of the members of Zilungisele co-op Gugu Mdletshe (62) said one of the biggest challenges they have as a co-op is the shortage of material.

The group members say the quality of their work is what gets them more customers. Despite their international travels, the group say they are very lucky to have support from people in their area.

Currently they are looking at integrating sisan with beads, wood and leather to produce a mix of African and western styles.

ZIANA-B CREATIONS

VULINDLELA ARTS AND DESIGN

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or a man whose first art class was under a Mango tree in 1995, Welcome Danca (32) has come a long way before fulfilling his dream of being an artist.

Having grown up in Port Shepstone, Danca said it was his teacher in high school who after

that every business needs to be exposed. Exhibition gives every business owner a chance to be seen by visitors but we also get to network” she said.

According to Bhengu, finding space to work from was a challenge for her although finding the right tailor was her biggest headache. “I have noticed that South Africans don’t take sewing seriously as a career. It is so sad that when I’m looking for a person to hire it has to be foreigners, because our people have no experience in sewing.

I would like to advise people to take sewing seriously. I would like to hire local people but without any experience, it’s not

possible,” said Bhengu.

It has been a long way for this designer who now owns her boutique in the Pietermaritzburg CBD.

DEDT: 270 JABU NDLOVU STREET, PIETERMARITZBURG TEL: 033 264 2500 WEBSITE: WWW.KZNDED.GOV.ZA

“BUILDING AN ECONOMY THAT CREATES OPPORTUINTIES FOR ALL AND MAKING TOURISM TO WORK FOR US ALL”