Themba Creations – Emerging Artists

This community based initiative supports women who are seamstresses & crocheters. They operate in Middelrus and specialise in Shweshwe products. Their work can be viewed at Lions River Trading Post.

The Midlands Meander Association was created some 36 years ago on a foundation of arts and crafts and we continue to find hidden talent within the region. In 2014, the Emerging Artist/Crafter Project began with the first three previously disadvantaged artists and crafters and was funded by the N3 Toll Concession.

The project has since grown to include eight Emerging Artists and Crafters representing 40 families within the KZN Midlands Meander boundaries. An Info Centre and Gallery to display and sell their products was opened at the Mandela Capture Site which used to see between 15 and 20 tourist buses visiting the site on a weekly basis.  Unfortunately, this was forced to close its doors in December 2020 due to the pandemic, lock down, no international visitors and decreased numbers to the Mandela Capture Site. Our Emerging Artists and Crafters work is now available at one of our Midlands Meander Association member establishments, Lions River Trading Post.

History of Themba Creations – Middelrus, KwaZulu-Natal

Themba Creations is a powerful community-led initiative based in Middelrus, KwaZulu-Natal, born out of compassion, creativity, and the desire to empower disadvantaged communities through skills development.

The journey began on Wednesdays, when local women would gather at the clinic and spend long hours waiting in queues. During this time, a visiting white lady, Mrs Mlambo, who was also visiting Themba Church, noticed the lengthy waiting periods and saw an opportunity to turn idle time into something meaningful and empowering.

Mrs Mlambo introduced the women to basic crochet work by purchasing dishcloths, wool, and crochet hooks. She showed them that it was possible to earn an income using their hands, without formal employment. This simple but exciting introduction sparked great enthusiasm among the women.

As interest grew, she began teaching them how to crochet scarves and matching winter hats. Her training later expanded to crocheted rugs and mats, which quickly gained popularity in the area due to their uniqueness and quality. These handmade products became widely recognised as something new and special within the community.

Recognising the exceptional talent and commitment shown by the women, Mrs Mlambo sought funding through her foundation, the Dooga Fellowship Church. The funding was successfully granted, enabling a major step forward for the group. Sewing machines and patterns were purchased, and members of Dooga Fellowship Church personally visited the community to provide sewing training. The women were taught how to operate sewing machines, plan patterns, and work with Shweshwe fabric, a design that is deeply loved and widely used in the area.

Through discipline and dedication, the group maintained high standards in their work. Their efforts did not go unnoticed. Themba Creations was later recognised by the Midlands Meander Association and identified by N3 Toll Concession (N3TC) as a Midlands Meander Emerging Artist. With marketing support from Midlands Meander and business training from N3TC, Themba Creations experienced significant growth.

Today, Themba Creations stands as a successful social enterprise that empowers disadvantaged communities, providing sustainable income opportunities. Currently, 10 families directly benefit from the project.

In addition to sewing and craft production, the initiative has expanded further. A separate wing of the project focuses on vegetable farming and goat farming, led by men who are not involved in the sewing programme. This development has become a major achievement for the community, with fresh vegetables now being supplied to larger shops.

Themba Creations is a true example of how creativity, skills training, and community support can transform lives — a story of hope, empowerment, and shared success.