Senzokuhle Co-operative – Emerging Artists

This is a co-operative of local women who are now teaching the younger generation their crafts. They crochet high quality bath mats and placemats which are available at Nguni & Aloe and the Earth Route Market.

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.

History of Senzokuhle Primary Cooperative

Senzokuhle Primary Cooperative was born from creativity, resilience, and a commitment to sustainability.

The journey began at the former Mooi River Textile, now known as Tai Yen Textile, where knitted fabric was produced. During the manufacturing process, off cuts of striped knitted fabric were discarded and burned as waste. Seeing an opportunity where others saw waste, I decided to recycle these fabric strips and started creating crocheted mats.

The first products were sold at Mooi Loft, a bed linen shop in Mooi River. I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to the manager of Mooi Loft for creating a community project corner, which gave us a space to display and sell our handmade products. This support played a vital role in the early growth of the project.

As demand for our products increased, it became necessary to grow production. I mobilised a group of creative elderly women from the community to help meet stock demands, creating income opportunities and restoring dignity through meaningful work.

In 2019, Senzokuhle was officially registered as a primary cooperative. In the same year, we were selected to be part of the Midlands Meander Emerging Artists Programme, a major milestone for our cooperative. Through this programme, we began participating in community early-morning markets and received valuable training on business management and financial skills.

Our journey within the Midlands Meander opened doors to new opportunities. We were introduced to the Earth Route Market and later to the Karkloof Farmers Market, where we continue to trade today.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to N3 Toll Concession (N3TC) for sponsoring the Emerging Artists Programme. Their support has contributed significantly to our growth, development, and visibility. Through the Midlands Meander and its online shop, our cooperative has gained wider recognition beyond our local community.

In addition to production and sales, we are passionate about skills transfer. Our experienced crafters are passing the baton to the younger generation, and we are regularly invited by schools to teach learners traditional handcraft skills, ensuring that this valuable knowledge is preserved.

Senzokuhle Primary Cooperative is based in Mooi River, and every Saturday our members travel to the Karkloof Farmers Market to sell our products. In a community where employment opportunities are scarce, the cooperative provides income, food security, empowerment, and independence for our members and their families. It represents a new chapter one of self-reliance, confidence, and hope.

Thank you for your support and for choosing to purchase our handmade products. Every purchase helps sustain our families, preserve skills, and grow our community.