What is our new project all about?
At African Pewter, we're deeply committed to protecting our wildlife. Our mission has always been to protect and celebrate the natural world. We believe that true conservation goes beyond safeguarding wildlife—it’s about uplifting communities, healing the planet, and inspiring collective action for a brighter future. That's why we actively seek out and collaborate with projects that address these interconnected challenges. We want to "ease the pain" – both for humans struggling to coexist with wildlife and for the Earth struggling under the weight of environmental pressures. Ultimately, we hope to play a part in renewing a collective mindset, inspiring people to come together and work towards a more sustainable future.
For several years, African Pewter used elaborate, custom-made black boxes. They were undeniably impressive, designed to reflect the quality of our products. However, we eventually realized that this "impressive" packaging came at a cost. The materials were sourced through unsustainable forestry practices, contributing to deforestation and the loss of biodiversity. We knew this wasn't in line with our values. We understood that, in the long run, this kind of unsustainable practice would undermine our efforts to protect the very wildlife we cherish. We had to face the reality that our packaging, while beautiful, was part of the problem.
So, we embarked on a search for a better solution. The answer, we felt, lay in community. We needed to find a local, community-based organization that could create packaging for us – packaging that was not only visually appealing but, more importantly, sustainable. We envisioned a partnership that would provide income and opportunities for a community while simultaneously minimizing our environmental impact. We wanted to support local artisans, empower them, and contribute to their economic well-being. It was a win-win scenario: sustainable packaging for us, and economic empowerment for a community.
And we are absolutely delighted to say that we found the perfect partner! We're incredibly excited to be working with Vukani BoMake, which means "Woman Arise." They are an extraordinary group of women, and we are so proud to share their story with you. We believe their dedication, skill, and commitment to sustainability are truly inspiring. So, please, read on and discover the remarkable story of Vukani BoMake. We think you'll be as moved by their work as we are.
Please read further.......
What Is Vukani BoMake All About?
This is a short history of Vukani BoMake, how it started and what the thinking behind this amazing project is, as well as their goals and aspirations.
Vukani BoMake was established in 2020 as a response to COv19 pandemic. The initiative was born our of a need to empower woman, youth, and the people living with disabilities who were disproportionately affected by job losses and economic uncertainties during the pandemic. The name "Vukani BoMake" translates to "Woman Arise", symbolizing a call for woman to seize opportunities, take charge of their lives, and become catalysts for financial independence within their families and communities.
Our mission focusses on equipping individuals with vocational skills such as sewing, crocheting, and upholstery.
These skills are leveraged to transform waste materials from textile factories into innovative, marketable products. This approach not only provides a source of income for beneficiaries but also promotes sustainability and circular economy by repurposing materials that would otherwise be discarded.
In addition to vocational training, Vukani BoMake offers business skills development to empower beneficiaries to turn their newly acquired skills into sustainable livelihoods.
This includes training in bookkeeping, marketing and accessing markets. With the generous support of our partners and donors, particularly Far East Textiles, we have been able to establish 13 (thirteen) "Cottage Factories", (modified shipping containers) equipped with sewing machines and other necessary tools. These factories are strategically placed in various constituencies across Eswatini, including Lobamba, Ezulwini, Manzini and Nhlambeni.
Our work doesn't stop at training. We continue to support beneficiaries through upskilling, providing waste materials, facilitating market access, and offering other forms of assistance to ensure their businesses remain sustainable. This holistic approach helps create an ecosystem where artisans can thrive.
In 2023, we collaborated with the International Trade (ITC) to train 150 individuals, and with Eswatini Beverages to train 20 people in crafting ottomans. Additionally, the MTN Foundation generously donated funds to help establish three cottage factories.
Our partnerships also extend to creating corporate gifts for organizations such as Business Eswatini and the Eswatini Tourism Authority. Further ore, we work with Days for Girls to supply underwear for underprivileged girls in Eswatini, produce hair bonnets for LUNA Hair and Body, and create cutlery pouches for African Pewter.
Our overarching goals are to expand the program sustainably, reach more beneficiaries, and foster financial inclusivity groups. We aim to demonstrate that with the right skills, determination and support, anyone can achieve their aspirations.
By building solid partnerships with like minded organizations and aligning with Sustainable Development Goal 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), we strive to create sustainable communities, reduce inequality, and alleviate poverty.
We believe that through continuous improvement and education on environmental care and the principles of a circular economy, we can aspire a movement that champions sustainability and economic empowerment.
Together, we can create lasting change!
So, here's the story of Vukani BoMake!
It all started in 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Lots of women, young people, and people with disabilities were struggling with job losses and financial hardship, so Vukani BoMake was created to help. The name itself, "Vukani BoMake," means "Women Arise," which is all about empowering women to take charge and become financially independent.
They focus on teaching practical skills like sewing, crocheting, and upholstery. What's really cool is that they use leftover materials from textile factories to make new, sellable products. This not only helps people earn a living but also promotes sustainability and recycling. Besides the hands-on skills, they also teach business skills like bookkeeping and marketing, so people can actually build a sustainable business.
Thanks to amazing partners and donors, especially Far East Textiles, they've set up 13 "Cottage Factories" – basically, shipping containers converted into workshops – in different communities across Eswatini. They don't just teach and leave; they keep supporting people with ongoing training, materials, help with selling their products, and whatever else they need to succeed. It's a whole support system!
In 2023 alone, they teamed up with the International Trade Centre to train 150 people and with Eswatini Beverages to train 20 more in making ottomans. The MTN Foundation even helped fund three new cottage factories! They also create corporate gifts, work with Days for Girls to provide underwear for girls in need, make hair bonnets for LUNA Hair and Body, and even create cutlery pouches.
Their big goals are to keep growing, help more people, and make sure everyone has a chance to be financially secure. They believe that with the right skills and support, anyone can achieve their dreams. By working with other organizations and focusing on sustainability, they're hoping to make a real difference in their communities, reduce inequality, and fight poverty. They're all about creating lasting positive change!
Meet The Team
Let's chat about Nqobile Lukhele, Vukani BoMake's Assistant Program Coordinator
She's a mom of four (two boys, two girls) who loves gardening, baking (she sells her cakes!), and experimenting in the kitchen with chilies and other homemade goodies.
Now, Nqobile has some big dreams of her own!
If money and time were no object, she'd send her brother and sister overseas for their Masters and undergrad degrees, respectively. For herself, she'd travel the world, try all the delicious food, and finally open her own counseling practice (she's a psych honors grad). She'd also get an MBA, have a farm, live off-grid, buy her fiancé his dream car, have a fantastic wedding, and build their dream home. Basically, live the dream!
For Vukani BoMake, she'd love to boost everyone's skills, get them a vehicle, and give the staff a raise. It would be amazing to see the staff travel and for Vukani BoMake's products to gain global recognition.
For Eswatini, she'd focus on tackling unemployment by creating sustainable businesses, teaching young people vocational and life skills (like money management), empowering women, and supporting underprivileged children, especially those with disabilities. And, of course, improving access to mental and general healthcare.
Vukani BoMake – the story:
"Vukani BoMake" means "Women Arise" – it's all about empowering women. It started in 2020 because of the pandemic, when lots of women, young people, and people with disabilities lost their jobs. The idea was to help them become financially independent. They teach skills like sewing, crocheting, and upholstery, using recycled materials from textile factories. So, they're not just helping people earn a living, they're also being eco-friendly! They also teach business skills like bookkeeping and marketing, so people can really make their skills work for them. They have 13 "Cottage Factories" (converted shipping containers) in different parts of Eswatini. They've partnered with tons of organizations like Far East Textile, ITC, Eswatini Beverages, the MTN Foundation, and even work with Days for Girls and LUNA Hair and Body. Basically, they want to keep growing, help more people, and make sure everyone has a chance to succeed. They're all about partnerships and believe that with the right skills and support, anyone can achieve their dreams.
Okay, so we chatted with Nkosingiphile Dlamini - Machinist and Dedicated Assistant
She's got four siblings and a child, and she's the sole provider for them and herself. Outside of Vukani BoMake, she loves sewing and cooking. She actually landed her job there by applying for an open position. Before that, she was looking for work after finishing high school. At Vukani BoMake, she's a helper and can crochet and sew. Looking ahead, she hopes to have learned a ton of new skills and gotten even better at the ones she has now.
If she had unlimited time and money, she'd do some amazing things! For her family, she'd start a catering business, fix up her house, and create a family business so everyone could benefit. For Vukani BoMake, she'd love to open a shop, get air conditioning and a fridge for the workshop, hire more people, get more customers, and, of course, pay everyone more! And for Eswatini, she'd start that catering business and create jobs. Oh, and just a reminder, "Vukani BoMake" means "Women Arise"!
So, we also talked to Temaswati Matse - Machinist and Dedicated Assistant
She's got five siblings, and while they all work, she takes care of her daughter and father. When she's not at Vukani BoMake, she loves farming. She got her job there by applying for it after finishing high school. Her main role is helping out, and she can crochet and sew. Looking to the future, she sees herself as a leader, training new people at Vukani BoMake.
If she had all the time and money in the world, she'd do some awesome things. For her family, she'd help her nephews and nieces with school, build a nicer home, and become a full-time farmer. For Vukani BoMake, she'd get them a car, open a shop, travel to other countries to learn even more skills. And for Eswatini, she dreams of building a skills center, creating a home for the elderly, and providing them with fresh food from her farm. Just a reminder, "Vukani BoMake" means "Women Arise"!
Let's talk about Thulile Manana - Cottage Supervisor and the Leader of the Project
She's part of a big family – ten members in total, including her parents, kids, and grandkids. She's kind of the main breadwinner, though other family members have side hustles sometimes. She currently supports six family members who live with her. Outside of Vukani BoMake, she's into farming, traveling, and her church's women's group.
Thulile actually got recruited to work at Vukani BoMake from her local community. Before that, she had her own piggery business. At Vukani BoMake, she's the lead seamstress, trains new people, and supervises in the workshop. Looking ahead, she hopes to see Vukani BoMake become a well-known brand, with its own shop and vehicles. She'd love to be part of that growth!
If she had unlimited time and money, she'd build a house for her family, send her kids to university, start her own farming and livestock business, and still keep her sewing business going! For Vukani BoMake, she'd like to see the workshops insulated, a program that gives back to the community, and their own transportation. And for Eswatini, her dream is to give back to the elderly, hire unemployed people, and focus on keeping the environment clean.
These woman are just phenomenal and they are examples and role models for looking on the bright side! We have learnt so much from them and we look forward to a long and lasting relationship with Vokani BoMake !
The Cottage Factory visitation by World Vision Eswatini Country Director.
And so we have come to the end of our exiting and colouful story and will certainly keep you posted.