Recycling for art

It is amazing how the things we throw away can be so useful to other people and they actually make a living out of it.

In Shakashead there is a group of six residents called Ubuhle Shakashead Ladies, who use recycled items and turn them into jewelry, clothes and furniture.

“This is what we do for a living and we enjoy it. We would like one day to be joined by other women in rural areas around Ilembe. If there is more people around our district doing the same job we will have a much cleaner district and people will get an income,” said group member Angeline Da Silva.

Each group member brings in his or her products in their office at KwaMama care centre.

“Things like old magazines, old clothes, furniture and plastics are some of the many recyclable items that can be turned into a nice artistic item that can be used for a lifetime,” said Da Silva.

The group was founded in 2008 when a lady came to visit KwaMama care centre in Shakashead and found these women sitting there. She asked them what do they do for a living, and it turns out that they were doing nothing.

She proposed a plan of starting a business for their own, using the skills their have, and it turned out that they could put together their work and form a business.

Thumela Ludziya who specialises in making shoes out of the plastic bags said no one from their group is working. They all depend on their business to survive and meet their family’s needs.

Da Silva represents the group at the Ilembe Chamber of Commerce Entrepreneur competition, which she said she is enjoying and appreciates the opportunity that has been given to them as entrepreneurs.

“I want to make the most out of it because the sessions that we attend have taught me so much about taking care of our business,” said Da Silva.

The biggest challenge they are currently facing is marketing their products and getting a paper beads rolling machine.

They usually sell their items at the Grace Church in Ballito. To find out more about the group call 072 327 9679.