Lying hidden from the main gravel road cutting through the heart of Thema village in Fort Malan near Willowvale is the sprawling home of Pumzamathole Tsengwa who runs Uhlume Projects, a community project designing eye-catching jewellery aimed at attracting the attention of the global fashion
industry.
The 47-year-old Tsengwa, who is managing director and founder of the project, describes the creations as contemporary.
He had no choice but to return home where he did odd jobs for several construction companies.
“Initially I was kind of embarrassed but then I spoke to one of my friends. He told me nowadays there is no such thing as a woman’s job. I am now enjoying what I do creating these masterpieces,” he said.
Mother-of-three Nosiphiwo Magadla, 34, was selling vetkoek at a local school to earn a living when she heard about the project. She said it was not easy having to learn the art of jewellery design.
“As you can imagine, there was a lot of pricking myself with the needle but now I am a dab hand at this. Actually, I wouldn’t trade what I do for anything.”
Mamela Hala, 41, was battling to find a job when she heard that Tsengwa had started Uhlume Projects.
And five years later, she can’t stop boasting about their work.
“Our creations are the most beautiful out there, even if I say so myself.”
Modern spin on bead craft
industry.
The 47-year-old Tsengwa, who is managing director and founder of the project, describes the creations as contemporary.
He had no choice but to return home where he did odd jobs for several construction companies.
“Initially I was kind of embarrassed but then I spoke to one of my friends. He told me nowadays there is no such thing as a woman’s job. I am now enjoying what I do creating these masterpieces,” he said.
Mother-of-three Nosiphiwo Magadla, 34, was selling vetkoek at a local school to earn a living when she heard about the project. She said it was not easy having to learn the art of jewellery design.
“As you can imagine, there was a lot of pricking myself with the needle but now I am a dab hand at this. Actually, I wouldn’t trade what I do for anything.”
Mamela Hala, 41, was battling to find a job when she heard that Tsengwa had started Uhlume Projects.
And five years later, she can’t stop boasting about their work.
“Our creations are the most beautiful out there, even if I say so myself.”
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