The Nelson Mandela Museum, in collaboration with the Eastern Cape Provincial Arts and Culture Council (ECPACC), hosted a certificate award ceremony last week at Vulindlela Industrial Heights in Mthatha for the trainees of the Imbokodo Empowerment Workshop.
According to Vulisango Ndwandwa, Manager of the Eastern Cape Arts and Crafts Hub, the museum sought their involvement due to their Fashion Design and Innovation Centre.
“We were approached by the museum, as they had trained some individuals in sewing and needed our assistance to further their education. Although our facility is primarily a workspace for qualified professionals, we agreed to collaborate. This partnership allows ECPACC to support those who missed out on formal qualifications in this field,” explained Ndwandwa.
He added that the programme, initiated last year, began with an introductory sewing phase for eight individuals from Mqhekezweni, Mqunu, and the surrounding locales.
“This financial year (2024/2025), we resumed with a two-month programme commencing in September. Participants developed full sets of ‘imibhaco’ (traditional attires) in the initial phase and engaged in beadwork in the subsequent phase. Today, we are presenting them with certificates of participation. The museum has indicated a desire to continue this partnership. Over the past year, we have gained valuable insights and identified areas for enhancement. The next iteration of the programme is planned for the Qunu Museum, which has lodging facilities to provide trainees with extended learning opportunities.”
Ndwandwa also mentioned that the timing of the forthcoming programme is contingent on funding.
“We aim to commence the second training cycle around June or July, coinciding with Nelson Mandela’s birth month, wrapping up in August during Women’s Month.”
Nozodwa Matikinca, Acting Senior Manager for Public Engagement and Marketing at the Nelson Mandela Museum, stated that the certificates acknowledge the participants’ accomplishments in a programme inaugurated in 2021.
Matikinca commented,
She highlighted that the museum provided participants with materials and equipment and noted the facilities at Qunu are equipped with industrial machines. Matikinca emphasised the importance of forming cooperatives for better opportunities:
“Participants need to establish cooperatives to enhance their prospects across different industries. Furthermore, the O.R. Tambo District Municipality has committed to supporting them. We plan to inaugurate another three-year programme, introducing new skills such as pottery, whilst selecting new participants.”
Matikinca also mentioned that while prior participants were from regions connected to Nelson Mandela’s heritage, the museum plans to broaden its scope to reach a wider audience.
Zameka Mdludlu, one of the beneficiaries, expressed her appreciation for the initiative:
“We are delighted to have received this training and intend to share our knowledge within our communities. Despite challenges, we persevered. Our primary challenge now is securing funds to purchase equipment. Access to machinery in our local areas would enable us to retain and utilise our skills effectively,” she remarked.
