Siyaka Community Support Centre started in June 1998 due to extensive research that was conducted in the disadvantaged communities. They realised that with a little help and direction, a lot of these people have the ability to create their own income. Bearing in mind that the general level of education is low; they determined that these people needed some sort of practical skill to help them become productive members of society.
In 2001 they identified a gap in the craft market and so started a new manufacturing section known as Siyaka Crafts. They manufacture beaded pipes, sticks, beaded African cultural garments and traditional mbhaco. They were very instrumental in the manufacturing of the Indo-Xhosa range, a new concept that entails African designs made with Indian material. The range was launched at the Grahamstown Arts Festival in 2003.
They have been invited to numerous exhibitions including the WSSD in Johannesburg and in 2002 received their Proudly South African certificate for producing authentic craft.
Umngeni also offers conferencing facilities for up to thirty people. Over weekends they can also arrange entertainment for jazz enthusiasts on request.
