Beaded artwork empowers a community
They believe talent can be used to generate an income if individuals are willing to venture into self-employment
LIMPOPO – According to Hlamani Masutha and Rose Shimusa, founders of Hlangano Wavasati va Vunwe Arts and Craft Primary Co-operative Limited, a competent community is one that is able to create employment using skills and talent to curb the increasing rate of unemployment.
They believe talent can be used to generate an income if individuals are willing to venture into self-employment.
Masutha says she ventured into the art of beadwork to create employment for herself after she realised she has a talent and eventually started her own business.
The business officially opened last year, and according to Masutha, things are going well.
We produce items such as paintings, traditional wear, shoes, beaded necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and bags.
Due to a great demand for their products, Masutha decided to train people in the community to help them create employment.
“You do not need a lot of money to start a business, sometimes only your God-given talent or skill is enough to give you a good start,” she says.
A shared passion for art
It wasn’t difficult to find people who shared a passion for art. Since opening their doors, Jeaneth Baloyi, Mhloti Mageza, Thabiso Masutha and Mikateko Hlambeka have all become contributing members of the business.
“These people are now able to support their families and loved ones, they will also pass their skills on to others, that way there will be more empowered people in the community.”
Shimusa says their goal is to promote culture through their art. She says the group represent a diverse Limpopo community because it consists of people from different backgrounds.
Tradition will always be a part of what makes us different, we are creating a platform where people can purchase items that represent their cultures which they can wear with pride and remain fashionable at the same time.
She says she is happy with what they have managed to achieve since they started operating and they are looking into opening a shop which will serve as a landmark for tourists who visit the province to experience Limpopo culture through art.
“We have an accredited training institution and offer mentorship to other arts related businesses.”
Anyone who would like to be part of the movement can contact Masutha and Shimusa at msutha@gmail.com.
