Phalaborwa Gate Initiative Helps Local Women
HOEDSPRUIT (Kruger Times)- Hlanganani, meaning ‘unity’, epitomises the essence of what is turning a poverty-alleviation project into a viable self-help entity.
The Hlanganani Arts and Crafts group comprises 28 members, all unemployed, who earn a living through their art or craft that is sold at the shop at the Phalaborwa Gate of the Kruger National Park.
The Section 21 company, boasting its own constitution and committee, did not happen overnight. Hlanganani Arts and Crafts developed from Phalaborwa Arts and Crafts, which was based on a similar idea, but a lack of vision, infighting, bickering and not enough management and business skills had it on a road to nowhere.
The Foskor Development Trust assisted with essential training and the KNP provided business premises for the group to operate from. From this foundation, the members regrouped, reorganised and renamed themself.
Strictly governed by its new constitution and new vision it has grown into a unified, viable and budding project. Each member is rewarded for what she puts in. A management meeting every Thursday ensures, amongst other things, that strict quality control keeps customers satisfied.
The project qualified for the National Craft Imbizo in Sandton last year and has again for this year's show.
With the income generated by her contribution, Anna Makhubela, chairman of the group and a single parent, has supported her three children for the last six years. Elizna Breitenbach’s, husband was retrenched by the Palabora Mining Company last month, making her income critical to their household.
According to Anna, Noreen Meredith, treasurer of the project, was key in getting the group to where they are today. “Maybe God gave us this lady,” she said.
She also thanked Derek Mashele, previously of the People in Conservation Department of the KNP, for his major contributions in getting the group through difficult times.
by Lynette Strauss, Editor, Kruger Times
The Hlanganani Arts and Crafts group comprises 28 members, all unemployed, who earn a living through their art or craft that is sold at the shop at the Phalaborwa Gate of the Kruger National Park.
The Section 21 company, boasting its own constitution and committee, did not happen overnight. Hlanganani Arts and Crafts developed from Phalaborwa Arts and Crafts, which was based on a similar idea, but a lack of vision, infighting, bickering and not enough management and business skills had it on a road to nowhere.
The Foskor Development Trust assisted with essential training and the KNP provided business premises for the group to operate from. From this foundation, the members regrouped, reorganised and renamed themself.
Strictly governed by its new constitution and new vision it has grown into a unified, viable and budding project. Each member is rewarded for what she puts in. A management meeting every Thursday ensures, amongst other things, that strict quality control keeps customers satisfied.
The project qualified for the National Craft Imbizo in Sandton last year and has again for this year's show.
With the income generated by her contribution, Anna Makhubela, chairman of the group and a single parent, has supported her three children for the last six years. Elizna Breitenbach’s, husband was retrenched by the Palabora Mining Company last month, making her income critical to their household.
According to Anna, Noreen Meredith, treasurer of the project, was key in getting the group to where they are today. “Maybe God gave us this lady,” she said.
She also thanked Derek Mashele, previously of the People in Conservation Department of the KNP, for his major contributions in getting the group through difficult times.
by Lynette Strauss, Editor, Kruger Times
Labels: development, Phalaborwa
posted by Kruger2Canyons.com at
Thursday, October 21, 2004
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