A unique embroidery and empowerment project in the Winterveld has won international acclaim and help women generate an income, writes Diane de Beer
An empowerment drive in the Winterveld has won international acclaim and now helps unemployed elsewhere on the continent generate an incomeWomen from the Mapula Embroidery Trust in the Winterveld. Picture: SUPPLIED
In a unique storytelling fashion, with needle and thread, these women have been sharing their stories over the past 26 years. And it is often these personal remembrances capturing SA’s past from a unique vantage point that has captured the imagination internationally. Over the years, the high levels of technical and visual artistry with social and historical commentary have resulted in recognised works of art.
The project now consists of three groups, two of which are situated in the Winterveld, north-west of Pretoria; with one in Hammanskraal. The production of the goods is managed by the embroiderers themselves. The Mapula Embroidery Trust with non-profit status was established in 2016. The income generated through the project has assisted women over the years to clothe, feed and educate their children. Now, 28 years later, the project with its strong foundations is well established.A few years ago, after visiting the project, Netty Butera, wife of the Rwandan high commissioner to SA, approached the Soroptimists who initiated Mapula to start a similar project in her country with the initial training of 12 women.
Following much planning, three women — Rosina Maepa and Dorah Hlongwane from the Mapula Embroidery Project and Janetje van der Merwe from Soroptimist International Pretoria — left for Rwanda with suitcases packed with embroidery cotton, fabric, a brand-new sewing machine, two steam irons, needles and scissors — all to get the project started in a new country.
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