 From the remotest ages the decoration of wood has been a foremost art. The tendency of human nature has always been to ornament every article in use. Based at the Wakkerstroom Centre, self taught carver Muzi uses alien trees found in the district to carve birds endemic to the area. (Requests can be made.) To date Muzi’s carvings have reached the far corners of Africa and are finding perfect settings in international homes. Presently Muzi works alone but is in search of youngsters who are keen on expressing themselves in this much valued art form. Muzi Makhubu: Cell: 078 769 2219 P.O. Box 169, Wakkerstroom, 2480
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An Introduction To Economic upliftment |
It is common knowledge that humans are the main cause of today’s environmental problems, however the flip side is that people are also the solution to conserving our environs’ as we know them. So consequently conservation has evolved into a people’s game. BirdLife South Africa recognises the importance of working with people across the board to achieve our conservation objectives, and none more important than with the people on the ground, living closest to our Important Bird Areas (IBAs). The Community Based Conservation Division of BirdLife South Africa has been working with members of the impoverished eSizamaleni community in Wakkerstroom since 2007 and the success is that these beneficiaries are now important custodians of the surrounding wetland, grassland and its magnificent birds. The community members are now better educated about the environment, are role players in conservation action and management, and are direct beneficiaries from the conservation of the area through tourism. BirdLife South Africa has helped set-up five community owned enterprises that each produce products that are linked to sustainable resource use and sold to the local markets. These small businesses now directly support 21 members, and indirectly 105 family members with a steady income. What this means for conservation is that the more livelihoods we can tie into the conservation of this critical, yet unprotected area, the more chance we have of this beautiful ecosystem still being around for future generations and our birds.
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Igugulethu Organic vegetables |
 As environmental awareness and concern has increased amongst the general population regarding environmental issues and our footprint on the planet, organic farming has come to the fore. Although globally this output remains small it is growing in many countries. It is with this in mind that Igugulethu Vegetables began the movement with rural community members in the Wakkerstroom area, not only to provide an income for their families but also to empower women and the youth through the related operations. Home grown vegetables never tasted so good. Ida: Cell: 083 242 9884 P.O. Box 169, Wakkerstroom, 2480
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 The origins of wire art are still slightly ambiguous, but it is believed that these unique art forms originated in South Africa’s rural Northern Kwazulu-Natal. Young herd boys were the first to introduce these works of art. Designing wire creations from any recycled materials they could find, these boys produced some of the most magnificent, functioning appliances—they even built cars! Their inspirational wire creations encouraged other locals to participate in this highly marketable art form. This project was started by a young man concerned about the level of poverty and crime in his community especially with the unemployed. He fashions key-rings, mobiles and birds from wire, decorated with or without beads. With movable wings -definitely something to bring much joy to all. Mazwi: Cell: 078 119 1469 P.O. Box 169, Wakkerstroom, 2480
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 From the moment an ancient human found a shell or stone with a natural perforation and strung it on a piece of leather to wear around their neck, beading has been popular in one form or another. Keeping specifically with Zulu traditions, Ubunye fashion bead works to demonstrate the integration of African art and biodiversity conservation. From key-rings, depicting endemic birds of the area, to lanyards for corporate functions this group of ladies work jointly to support their families through this age old tradition.. Thabisile: Cell: 084 252 5436 P.O. Box 169, Wakkerstroom, 2480
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Eyethu Reeds and Grass Products |
While basket weaving is one of the widest spread crafts in the history of any human civilization, it is hard to say how old the craft is as natural materials decay naturally and constantly. While creating opportunity for local women to earn an income from the sustainable harvesting of reeds and grass found in the Wakkerstroom Wetland, Eyethu strives to bring back the culture of living with nature not against it. From mats to fencing, this team of ladies harvest reeds and grass in concurrence with the Wakkerstroom Natural Heritage Association and Birdlife South Africa’s Community Based Conservation Division. Ntombifuthi: Cell: 072 205 0951 P.O. Box 169, Wakkerstroom, 2480
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