Intuthuko manager Rosina Teffo said they buy the material from their own pockets and then they sell to the community members.
“The community has been very supportive, however, we would appreciate more support from businesses and churches as they will now be able to go to church,” said Teffo.
The group was recently able to make 2 000 cloth face masks that were ordered by EnviroServ, which has been supporting the group since its inception in 2002.
The EnviroServ staff wearing the masks made by the Intuthuko Embroidery Group. Seen here is Nosiphiwo Mtyenene (left) and Moipone Gorati.
The sewing project started in 2002 with the objective of empowering women in the area. Teffo said it took 17 women, 14 sewing and three ironing and attaching elastics and 2.5 weeks to complete the order.
“We are very grateful for the huge order, thank you EnviroServ.”
The masks are charged at R25 to R30 and they are available in different patterns.
The three-ply cloth masks made by the Intuthuko Embroidery Group.
EnviroServ Group Risk manager Greg Alborough said the three-ply cotton masks had been distributed to waste reclaimers at both Chloorkop and Rosslyn waste facilities as well as to office workers, drivers, and landfill staff, in line with government regulations of supplying PPE to staff.
In May 2019, seven women from the group were accepted to showcase their embroidered works of art at the Venice Biennale Activism, which took place in Italy.
The Intuthuko Embroidery Group would appreciate the support from businesses and churches who can purchase their masks in bulks.
They also design and make a range of colourful embroideries ranging from quilt squares, cellphone bags and panelled wall hangings, which tell the stories of township life and traditional African traditions.
The group of women, most over the age of 55, have developed the business into a source of income, employing 18 people making embroidered items that are in demand in markets as far afield as Canada and the United States.
They have won numerous awards including the prestigious First National Bank Vita Crafts Awards for their interpretation of their “Journey to Freedom ” celebrating 10 years of Democracy in South Africa.
The three-ply cloth masks made by the Intuthuko Embroidery Group.
The group is based at the John Wesley Community Centre at 11370 Church Street in Etwatwa.
To buy the masks or to donate material, contact Teffo on 079 869 5001 to place your orders and to arrange collection.
