This week we are excited to reveal a year’s worth of collaboration, training and genius! IGNITE is the fruition of work that began in KZN’s rural communities over seven years ago when MiET Africa began capacity-building with crafters extensively across KZN. Africa Ignite’s objective has been to facilitate the participation of marginalised communities into the economy. Craft provides an entry point to the economy for thousands of marginalized people, the majority of whom are women affected by poverty and HIV/AIDS. None of this work would have been possible without funding received from the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands and the leadership of Africa!Ignite’s board.
The products
The range designed has used contemporary colours and design. Egg’s simple solution to lost flash drive caps became a beaded bracelet, our fabrics showcase designs created by beaders in tapestries and our unique conference bag uses the precise hand weaving skills of crafters in Bangizwe to add a textured touch.
The people
On the ground it has meant the design input of agencies like Egg design, Tokyo Studio, Anabella Loubser, Leonie Malherbe, Sivu Piliso of Born and Bred and iSimangaliso. We have worked with beaders from Mepho, basket weavers from Bangizwe and wood workers from Enqoleni.Our internal team led by Margaret and Fezile oversaw implementation with the assistance of our regional co-ordinators Minnie, Mzamo and Eugene. The launch would not have been possible without the marketing and administrative skills of Unathi and the drive of team leader, Kudzai. It takes team to make amazing things happen and we are particularly grateful for our director Wilna whose passion and drive energised and enabled us!
The Future
Innovation is a necessary force to keep craft growing and we continue to partner with a range of people to build into our unique designs. We will work in partnership with the Dutch Design in Development Institute to benefit from top Dutch design skills and open up access to Dutch retail markets. We continue to work with crafters and local designers to build up our range and create continuing opportunities for the crafters and the communities they support.
