Yanga Self Help Project

Formed in 1996, Yanga Self-Help Project is an initiative of three Zwelitsha women who does crafting and sewing. The aim was to develop skills within their own communities and curb the escalating rate of unemployment and poverty. It was after the National Department of Arts and Culture invested more than R30 000 into the project that the business flourished. With this money they bought machines, sewing material and office furniture.

The project is committed to the process of skills development in the Eastern Cape. The organisation employs three full-time staff and six others on a temporary basis. The temporary staff is usually from disadvantaged areas or unemployed youth who wonder around the township streets with nothing to do. Their founding motto is “Vuk’uzenzele” which means “get up and do it for yourselves!”

The company’s specialty is sewing and beading of the following:

•    Clothing;
•    Beaded skirts and dresses;
•    Men’s traditional suits;
•    Beaded ties;
•    Amajikolo nemibhaco (traditional Xhosa dresses);
•    Bags;
•    Children’s traditional wear.
•    Jewellery
•    Chokers and necklaces;
•    Bracelets;
•    Pins;
•    Anklets;
•    Earrings;
•    Belts.
•    Homeware and décor
•    Wall hangings;
•    Table mats;
•    Tray cloths;
•    Mugs;
•    Chair backs; and
•    Cushion covers.