Started in 1999 with just two people who recognised the need to provide some form of occupation for the ladies in the area to have food on the table, the two Emly’s began this project and recruited 16 other ladies in and around the area to join them in making beadwork.
Their first year produced little or nothing for them, and in 2000, Mr Job Skhosana from the 304 Guesthouse helped them to submit an application to the Department of Trade and Industry for a financial Grant, and the sum of R100 000 was given to them. With this they were able to purchase much needed equipment like sewing machines etc and they were on their way. Then their big break came, and they were introduced to a German man from Springs, whose wife taught them embroidery and they now, in addition to their other activities, make beautifully embroidered cloth carry bags that are purchased by this man who then exports them to Germany for resale. Their mothers taught them the beadwork that they do.
The greatest need of this group right now is to find premises where they can all work together and so consolidate their efforts and become more profitable.
