Kopano helps KwaThema’s disabled turn beadwork into a business

KwaThema – Kopano Disabled Movement is helping disabled people in KwaThema at their centre with beadwork and gardening.

Secretary of Kopano Anna Maseko says the project was started by the group to discourage people with disabilities from begging on the streets.

“One of the main reasons we started this was because we do not like seeing disabled people begging on street corners to make money, so we felt it best to have them come here and learn a skill that could bring them money to supplement their grant,” she says.

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A pastor and counsellor, Maseko says she is also able to help the people at the centre accept their disabilities.

“When they are here, we are able to counsel them because many times you find that people who are disabled can get depressed, especially if they were not born that way.

“We have seen many people go from having to be fed when they first arrive here, to being lively people who take part in the activities,” she explains.

The centre was started in 1996 and has since received financial aid from the Department of Social Development which it uses in addition to the profits they get from selling the various items they make.

“When we started out, we were buying everything from our pockets and working from a shack that is used as a church,” she says.

They do not only make beadwork items, knitted beanies and bathroom carpets, but also have a vegetable garden which they use for food and sell.

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“We hope when our vegetables are ready, we can sell them to a large retailer,” she says.

The group makes their beadwork to order and is always looking for customers.

“We are always open to orders for businesses, events or individuals,” she concludes.

For more information or to donate to the group contact Maseko on 076 782 8001 or Kopano’s chairperson, Sthembiso Mndebele, on 060 942 3939.