Woza down to HACT and support local crafters

IN keeping with their aim to empower local communities to become economically self-sufficient with their beautifully handmade goods, the Woza Moyo store,continues to provide the perfect platform for these artistic creations to be showcased and sold.

The shop, situated at the Hillcrest AIDS Centre Trust, houses a unique blend of jewellery, arts and crafts, and through this initiative, they support their own 350 crafters and more than 1000 other crafters from other NGO’s and self-help projects.

Every month, Wozo Moyo focuses on a different crafter and this month, is Woza Moya Ixopo.

Speaking about the chosen crafter for this month, Jess Southey, marketing and craft assistant manager at Woza Moya, said, “Woza Moya Ixopo is a craft project which started in 2007 in direct response to people living with Aids defaulting on their ARVs. People had no money to pay for taxi fares to go to town to collect their medication. All crafters are selected on the basis of there being very little income (and no other means of income) in the home. Producing lovely and saleable crafts fosters self-esteem and provides vital income for the crafters and their families. More than 200 people are supported through the craft project. All craft projects are overseen by Crafts Coordinator, Durban artist, Leonie Malherbe. Leonie comes once a month to Woza Moya for two days to monitor and oversee all crafts. She also runs training courses as required. I encourage residents to visit our store and support our talented crafters.”

The craft groups that showcase their goods at the Woza Moya and Friends shop are: Woza Moya Ixopo (sock monkeys and embroidery), Congo Rose (African fabrics in bags, hats, clothing), Fancy Stitch (embroidered picture frames, book marks, magnets), Mninizio (scoobie bowls), Dumabezwe (leather bags and belts), Rondavel Soaps, Frank Nthunya (ceramicist), Hombisa (bags and clothing), Ibhungezi (St Agnes church).

Ibungezi and Dumabezwe will be the next crafter for the month. Visit the store, at 26 Old Main Road, Hillcrest, and support these groups who strive to earn an income through their creativity. For more information, call 031 765 5866.