Needlework with a difference
Tembaletu Protective Workshop in Guguletu near Cape Town specializes in fine embroidery work to decorate bags, cushion covers, aprons, quilts and clothing, all made at the workshop. But this is embroidery with a difference! This meticulous work is deftly done by women and men who have the use of only one hand.
According to Attwo Mbita, who is in charge of the workshop, Tembaletu has the all-too-common problem of not having a regular market for the flow of items they produce, a problem aggravated by the fact that they don’t have their own vehicle to get around to sell and make deliveries.
As is the case with similar organizations in every township in South Africa, these craftspeople have the motivation and the will to learn and work hard. What they lack, are marketing and business skills to make their projects truly viable. Until some official body recognizes this deficiency and helps to correct it, disabled people will continue to be trained to produce goods that pile up because they lack the skills to sell them profitably.