Zimbabwe: Using crafts as a springboard from insufficiency to affluence
Ncamisile Ngwenya's life was a constant struggle before joining the Gender Links' Promoting Gender Inclusive Local Economic Development in Zimbabwe programme. "I was living in poverty while trying to make ends meet through the fast lanes of the arts and crafts industry," she recalls. "I had no stable income and my family's well-being was uncertain." Ngwenya's fortunes changed when she heard about the programme through a community outreach initiative. "I was motivated to participate because I wanted to acquire skills that would enable me to earn a decent income and support my family," she explains.
As part of the programme, Ngwenya pursued the Arts and Culture Value Chain under the Mzilikazi Arts and Crafts Centre, specialising in basket weaving, baby Moses baskets, lampshades and mates. "I had always been fascinated by crafts, and this programme gave me the opportunity to turn my passion into a business," she says. The programme has had a transformative impact on Ngwenya's life. "My monthly average income has increased from less than US$100 to USD$500," she reveals. "I'm now able to support my family and live a more dignified life." Ngwenya's products are in high demand, with customers in South Africa and even an order for lampshades from Spain.
Ngwenya attributes her success to the skills and knowledge she acquired through the programme. "I learned about marketing, pricing, and financial management, which have been instrumental in growing my business and also starting a poultry production business," she says. The programme has also empowered Ngwenya to take control of her life and make decisions about her economic future. "I'm more confident now, and I believe in my abilities," she asserts. "I'm involved in decision-making processes in my community and household, and I'm able to contribute to discussions about economic development."
As a member of the Thandokuhle Cooperative, Ngwenya has experienced the benefits of collective entrepreneurship. "Being part of a cooperative has given me access to markets, training, and resources that I wouldn't have had otherwise," she explains. Ngwenya plans to sustain her business by continuously improving her products and seeking new markets. "I'm exploring opportunities to export my products to other countries and to supply local hotels and lodges," she reveals. As Ngwenya looks to the future, she is determined to continue growing her business and making a positive impact in her community. "I'm proud of what I've achieved, and I'm excited to see what the future holds," she concludes.
