Ukuthunga
Photo Credit: Ukuthunga Handmade via Facebook

Through the art of crocheting, a group of women in Mpumalanga have not only found a means of livelihood but have also created a strong support network and a positive impact on their communities.

 

Mpumalanga, South Africa (04 October 2024) – The fluffy mane of a lion, the curled trunk of an elephant and the scales of a pangolin come to life with the crochet hooks of the women of Mpumalanga-based social enterprise, Ukuthunga Handmade.

These African animal toys, along with beautiful baskets, bookmarks, and placemats, are a hit with tourists and locals alike looking for authentic handmade gifts. With every stitch, the women of Ukuthunga uplift their families and play a role in supporting local conservation efforts.

Ukuthunga, which means “to sew” in siSwati, was founded in 2016 as an informal group of six women from Msholozi, near White River in Mpumalanga.

From humble beginnings as a small group of women selling handmade rabbit “knitties,” Ukuthunga has blossomed into a thriving social enterprise.

The organisation has empowered countless women, providing them with economic opportunities and a sense of belonging.

Fast forward eight years, and Ukuthunga has blossomed into a self-sustaining organisation that supports the livelihoods of 60 women across the Lowveld communities of Msholozi, Embonisweni, Mpakeni and Masoyi.

“When we started we thought it was something that would keep us busy, we didn’t know that it would come this far,” says Tinah Moyane, who has been with Ukuthunga since its earliest days.

Through crocheting, Moyane supports her daughter, who studies agriculture at the university and her school-age son, who has a disability.

Every year, Ukuthunga now sells between eight and ten thousand African animal toys.

“We run as lean as possible from a business point of view so the business can give as much as possible to the ladies,” says Ukuthunga Director Samantha Brander.

For Nelly Ngalanga, Ukuthunga has been a game-changer:

“I wasn’t working and things were tough at home,” she says, explaining how she struggled to care for her two sons. Now, thanks to Ukuthunga, she can provide for her family. The skills that Ngalanga has gained have also enabled her to start her own business selling skirts and cushion covers.

“Ukuthunga has empowered me so that I can do more, even better,” she adds with a smile.

The enterprise has become a lifeline for the women involved, especially with jobs being scarce. Mpumalanga’s official unemployment rate is sky-high, hovering at 36.2%, while the expanded unemployment rate is even worse at 47 %.

Crocheting is perfectly suited for Ukuthunga because the women can easily work from home, fitting their stitching around other responsibilities. They also gather in churches, homes, and community centres to work together.

“We teach each other. When we want to learn something, she will show me what she knows, and I will show her what I know,” says Moyane.

Not only is Ukuthunga supporting the communities of the Lowveld, but it’s also helping to conserve some of South Africa’s most endangered wildlife.

The organisation has partnered with the Wild Bird Trust to crochet green and red Cape Parrot toys — with super fluffy and adorable parrot chicks to complete the family!

Proceeds help fund the work of conserving the forest habitats of the Cape Parrot, South Africa’s only endemic parrot.

Most recently, Ukuthunga started crocheting perfect pangolins for Scales Conservation Fund, a Hoedspruit-based nonprofit that runs a project that rescues pangolins from the illegal wildlife trade.

By partnering with these organisations, the women and their delightful crafts are contributing to the preservation of South Africa’s natural heritage and endangered wildlife.

Through their creativity, friendship and conservation efforts, the women of Ukuthunga have come together to create something truly inspiring and one that exudes positive change.

To learn more about Ukuthunga, visit www.ukuthunga.com.


Sources: Supplied
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1 comment

  1. this is great and congratulations to those who started this project. I like crocheting and knitting I am also interested to be part of your team
    May the Almighty God guide you guys more and more 🙏

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