Woza Moya’s Princess creates a future for her family
Through her beautiful beadwork, the dedicated and talented beader has been able to ensure all three of her children can go to school.
WITH tears pooling in her eyes, Woza Moya’s Thubisile ‘Princess’ Khoza gave her utmost thanks to each past, present and future supporter of the non-profit organisation during the nationwide lockdown as well as the festive season. By supporting local, a life has been significantly changed.
The 34-year-old lives in Botha’s Hill and is, at first, shy, with her head bowed and speaks in a tone just above a whisper.
“I left school in Grade 8,” she said. “The problem was that my family did not have the money to purchase a uniform or even the school fees, so I had no choice but to stop attending.”
No one was working in her family at that time.
Her mother then started beading for Woza Moya in Hillcrest and Princess, as she is affectionately known, would help her fulfill the orders. She easily recalled the first item she ever completed.
“The first piece I put together was a bee broach. I was so happy to see it completed and I was chuffed with myself for completing the project,” she beamed, clearly coming out of her shell.
At 16 she fell pregnant with the first of her three beautiful children.
“I had a baby to look after and when I was 18 I brought in a necklace that I designed from scratch, an original piece,” she said with the utmost pride. “It had a flower on the side and the piece was a mix of five different variations of pink beads. Paula embraced me and my work with open arms!”
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Eager to share her story of success, Princess speaks about her different designs that now adorn the shelves in the popular shop based at the Hillcrest AIDS Centre Trust. “I make necklaces and earrings and now, with Christmas so near, I started making beautiful beaded angel Christmas decorations. The new angel design is a big seller in the shop and I absolutely love that the customers and supporters have also fallen in love with my creation,” she smiled.
It can take her six hours of constant work to create a necklace and, if she puts her mind to it, could create up to 20 beaded angels in a day.
“I love working with my hands and it brings me so much joy when I do beadwork. While working I have the biggest smile on my face as I know that I am doing what I love,” said Princess.
Princess is also adamant that all three of her children (17, 11 and three years old) complete matric.
“Even now I told my daughter (17) that I want more for her. She has done so well and she is so smart,” Princess said with an infectious smile.
Her daughter hopes to one day become a social worker as she has a passion for helping those in need.
“When I think of Paula (Woza Moya’s executive manager), I honestly don’t know what I can say as she has has helped my family and I with so many things. When I think about it, I could actually just cry at how she has helped changed our lives and futures.
“She has helped us with food during the Covid-19 lockdown. She is like a second mom to me. She has taught me new skills, we have been empowered to be as creative as possible and to really think outside the box. Paula is wonderful,” said an ever-thankful Princess.
Caxton Local Media Covid-19 reporting
