The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture intends assisting local designers and crafters to better market their products. The support will take the form of a craft catalogue containing details of crafters and designers in Limpopo.
“We have drafted an arts and crafts catalogue which we’re distributing to all government departments, municipalities and government entities from which they can order products whenever they need to buy corporate gifts,” a media release issued by her office quoted MEC Onnica Moloi to have said.
She also expressed her appreciation of the support experienced by crafters and designers who exhibited at the specially created craft market made available by the department during the recent Mapungubwe Arts, Culture and Heritage Festival.
The press release informed that a collective amount of R64 000 was earned by the exhibitors including R10 000 in orders received. Moloi is reported to have said the choice of venue was fortuitous as the area receives a high number of potential buyers with banks and other amenities nearby.
The statement also revealed that the MEC and stakeholders have met with the National Craft and Design Coordinating Body (NCDCB), through which various provincial and national government departments, provincial investment promotion agencies, the South African Bureau of Standards and artists collaborate to promote the artistry and we all agree that we should help crafters and artists in every way possible.
“The department will continue to explore many other ways to link the crafters and designers with markets, both locally and internationally. We are also looking at busy spots in all the districts, where we will create flea markets during month ends. This is a multimillion Rand industry and if properly supported, it will grow our province’s economy and therefore create the much needed job opportunities,” the statement read.
The statement quoted one of the crafters, Ngwanatheko Maserumule of Bakgobokani Arts and Crafts in Sekhukhune area who said she made
R2 000 during her display.
“We really liked that spot. It was the first time they put us there and I wish even in the future they can take us back to that same place. All of us made money, and I still have orders,” Maserumule, who sells beadwork, traditionally inspired clothing and cultural artefacts, said.
Story and photo: Herbert Rachuene
>>herbert@mailbox.co.za
Featured photo: Onnica Moloi, MEC for Sport, Arts and Culture.
