Meet some of the people of Somerset East and surroundings: PART 1
A life made of beads
The winding road navigates you through a mosaic of fields. Lush lucerne, never-ending mielies and cattle, goats and sheep grazing on various other agricultural fields contrasts vividly with the bright blue sky above. The tangible silence, that one can really only experience on a farm, enfolds you as you drive towards Kokskraal Handcrafts.
Liza Troskie, owner of Kokskraal Handcrafts
Located on the farm, Kokskraal, this impressively creative business is run by Liza Troskie. It started as a hobby in 2001, but soon grew into a job-creation project for the fifth generation farm workers that reside on the farm. Mrs. Troskie wanted to give back to the people that supports and assists them on a daily basis. With the willingness of the Xhosa-women on the farm to generate an extra income for their families, and an idea to “create a job for each woman on the farm”; Mrs Troskie and her fellow creative enthusiasts, embarked on path lined with…beads.
Beading at Kokskraal Handcrafts
Using their beading talents the women of Kokskraal started with small items like keyrings and beaded handbag jewellery. The business grew steadily, as did the amount of farm workers that wanted to be part of the project. In 2004, Mrs Troskie ventured into marketing her business. Here the assistance of SEDA was invaluable. They assisted her in creating marketing material, and a website from which she could sell the beaded curios and gifts.
Liza Troskie and Sir Richard Branson
The success of Kokskraal Handcrafts was not only being recognized by the local municipality and community, but also by Citigroup and the United Nations. Through SEDA, Kokskraal Handcrafts was entered into the Women Empowerment Category of the Global Micro Entrepreneur Award. Totally out of the blue, Mrs Troskie and her husband, Bertus, were flown to New York where she found out that she won the Global Micro Entrepreneur Award 2005 (awarded by Citigroup and the United Nations). She was also given the opportunity to speak to the UN about investing in Africa and as an added bonus…met Sir Richard Branson at the award ceremony.
porcupine jewellery
… 2010
As of 2010, Kokskraal Handcrafts have diversified their offerings to include beaded toesandals, glass identifiers, beaded flags, serviette binders, beaded tiebacks, candle holders, various porcupine jewellery and beaded decorations to mention but a few. They also supply beaded gifts and curios to over 200 shops in South Africa and export their goods to over 20 countries.
Nonsimphiwe
The employees of Kokskraal Handcrafts were further given shares in the company and essentially they are now working for themselves. This, Mrs Troskie comments, has not only assisted in skills development and in improving the human dignity of the people, but also offers them a chance to create something beautiful that they can be proud of.
Busy with their ABET learning, Nonsimphiwe and Bongiwe
Currently, the business has 10 employees (two of which are male). We spoke to 22-year old Nonsimphiwe who through her involvement in the business not only furthered her education (by completing various ABET courses, but also by becoming an ABET instructor on the farm,) but was also chosen by the Cacadu District Municipality to go to the 2009 Tourism Indaba.
“I learned a lot about small businesses and how to go out and look for clients for our business,” says Nonsimphiwe.
Having lived in the area all her life, Nonsimphiwe learned her craft from her mother. Her favourite product to make is beaded candleholders.
So if you decide to ‘come hang with friends’ at the 20th Castle Lager East Cape Biltong Festival, then do take a drive out to Kokskraal and meet Liza Troskie, Nonsimphiwe and the other creative forces behind Kokskraal Handcrafts. You will not only be able to see where they work but also browse in the curios and gift shop.
Kokskraal Handcrafts Curios and Gift shop
For more information on Kokskraal Handcrafts,
please visit www.kokskraalhandcrafts.co.za or
email Liza Troskie on info@kokskraalhandcrafts.co.za
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