In the heart of Mpumalanga, South Africa, lies a story of transformation, empowerment, and creativity. Ukuthunga Handmade, a remarkable non-profit organization, is making a profound impact on the lives of women across three local communities: Msholozi, Mpakeni, and Masoyi. This social enterprise, whose name means “to make, sew, or knit by hand” in Siswati, has grown from humble beginnings into a beacon of hope and opportunity for the 60 women who now form the backbone of this initiative.
Ukuthunga encapsulates the spirit of creativity, resilience, and empowerment. Founded with the simple yet profound goal of teaching women a skill, Ukuthunga has blossomed into a thriving community. From crafting their first placemats, their range has expanded to include intricately made soft toys and beautifully woven baskets. Each item is a unique expression of the artisan’s talent and passion, ensuring that no two pieces are identical. Inspired by humanity and community, Ukuthunga’s creations are more than just products; they are stories woven with care and love, threads of hope that connect the women to a global market.
Gathering weekly in simple, welcoming shelters, the women of Ukuthunga come together to share not only their handcrafted pieces but also a sense of community, purpose, and gratitude. These gatherings are a cornerstone of Ukuthunga’s philosophy, fostering an entrepreneurial spirit among the women and encouraging a sense of pride in their work. It is here that newcomers receive crochet training, honing their skills under the guidance of more experienced craftswomen.
The unique business model of Ukuthunga ensures that earnings are distributed with a focus on fairness and creativity. When a woman crafts a one-of-a-kind piece, she earns individually from its sale, celebrating her innovation and effort. For standard items, profits are shared equally among the Ukuthunga team, reinforcing a sense of collective achievement and mutual support. Importantly, there are no margins taken elsewhere within the business, ensuring that the women reap the full benefits of their labor.
Quality is at the heart of everything Ukuthunga produces. With robust quality control measures in place, only the finest crafted items make their way to the market. This dedication to excellence has allowed Ukuthunga to extend its reach far beyond Mpumalanga, with their products now available in six countries, including the USA, United Kingdom, Germany, Netherlands, Australia, and South Africa. In South Africa, you can find their items in renowned locations, including the iconic Kruger National Park.
As we celebrate Women’s Month in South Africa, there is no better time to recognize and honor the incredible strength, creativity, and resilience of the women involved in Ukuthunga. Their journey is one of transformation—not just of materials into beautiful products, but of lives. Through the power of handmade crafts, Ukuthunga is empowering women, fostering community, and crafting hope for a brighter future.
Likweti Bushveld Farm Estate, is proud to support and celebrate the work of Ukuthunga Handmade through our Corporate Social Responsibility contributions. We value the profound impact they are making in the lives of women and their families across Mpumalanga. In a world where every stitch carries a story and every piece is crafted with purpose, Ukuthunga stands as a testament to the power of community, creativity, and resilience. Our yearly contributions help sustain this initiative, ensuring that the women of Ukuthunga continue to thrive and create with purpose. We invite you to discover their beautiful creations and, in doing so, become part of a story that is making a difference, one stitch at a time.
