FIRST Lady Bongiwe Ngema-Zuma has appealed to Mandeni community members to use arts and crafts to fight poverty, by marketing their work in foreign countries.
Ngema-Zuma was speaking during the Craft Exhibition Day held at Mandeni’s Sibusisiwe Hall.
She also commended the work done by Nonhlanhla Mbusi, the founder and chairperson of Mathonsi Simunye Community Project, for the great effort they have shown in craftsmanship.
‘If we had more people committed to their work, as Mama Nonhlanhla is, we would be able to tackle poverty head on.
‘I’m honoured to announced that their work has been exhibited even abroad in countries like Australia and Shangai.
‘I have never seen such creativity; it is your talent you should believe in what you can do.
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‘In fact more platforms should be opened for crafters to economically boost themselves,’ she said.
In his opening remarks, Mayor Cllr Sphesihle Zulu said Mandeni is ready to conquer the triple challenges of poverty, inequality and unemployment.
‘As a municipality we should be taking part in what is called radical economic transformation, a concept aimed at ensuring that the country’s economy is shared among communities.
‘What you are doling here is tremendous.
‘The beautiful craft and handwork you display here today makes us ponder as to how can we market this craft, to prevent a scenario where a people travel to Durban Station to buy craft, rather than promoting our own crafters in Mandeni,’ he said.
The event was also graced by the presence of Mandeni Deputy Mayor, Ward Councillors, Ward Committee Members and the entire community of Mandeni.
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