THE WONDERBAG is an ideal innovation to be made use of, following Eskom’s urge for people to save electricity to prevent load shedding.
The non-electric, heat retention cooker was founded in South Africa six years ago by local entrepreneur and social activist, Sarah Collins.
The Highway Mail visited three local women: Sibongile Ngubeni, Mana Thusi, and Thandi Masikane, who make Wonderbags for a living.
The three women said they started making Wonderbags in 2012 while running a project called “Uhlamvu Nohlamvu”, which was closed because of a shortage of funds.
Ngubeni said in 2008 a woman named Jabu Ndumo started this project for women who were unemployed. They sewed, did alterations and fixed uniforms and received a stipend at the end of the month.
Ngubeni said she was introduced to the Wonderbag by a friend from Johannesburg. “I was very fascinated by it, and I bought it from her for R200. Being a dressmaker, I opened it up to see what was inside it. Then I made one and it was a success.”
She taught other women to make them as she saw a big need for the product: “We saw this as an opportunity for people to save electricity.
“Jobs are very scarce these days, and learning and sharing something can save you money,” said Ngubeni.
Masikane said when you cook with a Wonderbag you simply need to bring your food to the boil for a few minutes before transferring it into the bag. You leave it to cook to completion without the worry of possibly burning your food.
“It is also ideal for working people who do not find time to cook: you can just leave your food in the Wonderbag and when you return your meal will be ready,” said Masikane.
Thusi added that they use polystyrene and quality materials that do not burn easily.
“It is a lot of work but it worth it as people get real value for their money; it stress free and affordable,” said Thusi.
Their Wonderbags are priced from R100.
To order a Wonderbag contact Sibongile Ngubeni on 076 897 5877 or 073 784 2703.
