Woza Moya hosts designer sale

WOZA Moya, a project run by the Hillcrest Aids Centre Trust, will host a huge designer sale, starting on Wednesday, 29 June. Designers Amanda Laird Cherry, Karen Monk Klijnstra, Collen Eitzen, Brenda Quinn, Infinity and Ikhiwane will have some wonderful end of mid-season ranges, shoes and fashion accessories on sale.

Bongiwe Buthelezi, talented crafter from Cowies Hill, will be one of the exhibitors. Buthelezi, who works as a domestic worker, said she started crocheting ten years ago. “I started crocheting hats, and with time I developed a love for it.”

She now designs everything from shongololos to long-legged teddies.

“I am very passionate about what I do and it also helps me earn an extra income. I got tired of crocheting hats and I felt like designing new and unique things for my work to stand out.”

Buthelezi said she hoped that she could get more orders so that her business can expand. “I wish to teach other domestic workers so that they could also earn an extra income.”

She added that she uses quality wool to make her designs.

Paula Thomson from Woza Moya said they were grateful to have been introduced to Buthelezi.

“I have not met anyone with such extraordinary passion for what she does.”

The sale will take place in the Embocraft training room, which is next door to the Woza Moya Embo shop. The shop carries a selection of handmade crafts, from local KZN ceramics to beautiful beadwork and hand-carvings, all made in the Valley of 1 000 Hills.

“The sale will showcase the work of local designers as well as seeing great designer-wear paired with beautiful locally-made accessories, and we hope to bring new customers to our relatively new shop on the tourist route,” said Thomson.

The sale will be on from Wednesday, 29 June from 8am to 4pm until Sunday, 10 July. The shop will be open from Monday to Friday, 8am to 4pm. On Saturdays and Sundays, the shop will be open from 8am to 2pm.