Ngwenya Glass in Swaziland – Where the glass is greener
Since its rebirth in 1987, Ngwenya Glass in Swaziland has been more than an inspiring success story.
It is an environmentalist’s dream. The products, which include a wide range of tableware, art glass and ornamental African animals, are all handmade from 100 % recycled glass!
It is not surprising that Ngwenya Glass, run by husband and wife team, Chas and Cathy Prettejohn, has become one of Southern Africa’s major eco-friendly handcraft producers!
Ngwenya Glass is proudly recycling approximately 12 tons of previously used glass per month. They use over 1 ton of waste newspaper as a very effective packaging material, re-use grey water and have 50 000 litre rainwater catchments for factory use.
They also use approximately 10 500 litres pm of purified old engine oil and used cooking to fuel their furnaces. Only one liter of old motor oil has the ability to pollute one million litres of water.
Ngwenya Glass has installed 550 solar panels which subsidises 40 % of their electricity usage.
Ngwenya Glass has for the past 28 years paid a percentage of its worldwide sales to the Mkhaya Game Reserve , a well-established refuge for endangered wild life species, situated in the Lowveld of Swaziland).
They also support numerous orphanages and charities in Swaziland and South Africa and have an active HIV/AIDS policy and program.
Ngwenya Glass also pays a monthly salary to a counselor who councils abused children, women and HIV/Aids patients.
The factory is situated in a charming complex set in large indigenous gardens.
You can witness first-hand, the magical art of glassblowing from an overhead balcony, browse around the well-stocked adjoining showroom and purchase your little memento of a truly ‘African’ visit to the Kingdom of Swaziland. Also on the premises is a selection of boutique shops well stocked with locally made products of world-class quality and you can relax in the sunny coffee shop, overlooking the imaginative play park for children and enjoy a light meal and a glass of wine.
These unique products are also available at the “Handmade in Swaziland” boutique shop in the Watershed at the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town. For more information call 021 418 0654.
For more information, contact Ngwenya Glass Swaziland on +268 244 24053 or +268 244 24151 or +268 244 24142. You can also send them an email at ngwenya@ngwenyaglass.co.sz or visit their website.
