AKWANDE

CRAFT
I am Lettie Nogoli Ntuli, a proud Ndebele
woman. A few years ago I wanted to
express the richness of my heritage and
give joy to others through my
craftsmanship. In 2018 the idea of
AKWANDE CRAFT was born. It has
become my baby and my way of life. The
art of beadwork is slowly dying out and I
wish to preserve it. Many generations
before have pushed hard to retain this
unique skill set of beadwork and the
creation of traditional attire and now I
want to share it with everyone. My dream
is to one day see my works on
international stages and help build my
community in the process as I grow.

The Ndebele are ancient offshoots of the main Nguni-speaking peoples. The
main group of Transvaal Ndebele traces its ancestry to Musi, or Msi, who, with
his followers, diverged from a small group of Nguni people migrating down the
southeastern coast of Africa and eventually settled in the Transvaal at the site
of modern Pretoria. By providing training and resources, artisans can preserve
their culture and create quality products that appeal to national patriotism.
Empowering artisans through the arts and crafts industry can also lead to
greater cultural preservation and community development. It is important to
continue to support and promote the arts and crafts industry as a means of
empowering and developing communities.

The Ndebele women continue their tradition of creating elaborate beadwork of

all sorts and of painting the walls of their homes (both interior and exterior)
with strong, brightly coloured geometric designs. Although the modern
Ndebele have retained many of their unique customs, urbanization has
affected their traditional culture patterns. Many Ndebele men are employed in
towns or mines, and many others are forced to leave their families for
extended periods in search of work. Our culture is slowing slipping away from
us and NAC can bring great change to many communities with this initiative.

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 Who We Are
Ndebele art has always been an important identifying
characteristic of the Ndebele and AKWANDE CRAFT will
keep this alive. Apart from its aesthetic appeal, it has a
cultural significance that serves to reinforce the
distinctive Ndebele identity we want to uplift the
community members. I have long understood the
essential artistic skill I have and want to formulate a
training school for others to assimilate this unique
skillset. Many women now find purpose as they take on
the ability to combine exterior sources of stimulation
with traditional design concepts borrowed from their
ancestors.

My dream is to create jobs for the vulnerable in our

society; youth, women and people with disabilities.
Through formalising the idea of AKWANDE CRAFT there
can be a community for the unemployed and a transfer
of specialised to the beneficiaries. The goods produced
from the project will be sold to generate income for
many families.

Ndebele artistry needs to be made into an authentic

certification as it demonstrates a specialised knowledge
with the linear quality of elements in our environment
and how this is depicted in our artwork.

The characteristic symmetry, proportion and straight

edges of Ndebele decorations were done by hand
without the help of rulers and squares. Ndebele women
were responsible for painting the colourful and intricate
patterns of beadwork; we have a staff complement of 4
permanent staff and around casual workers.

AKWANDE CRAFT wants to start selling to the Kuma

exhibitions and further expand our exposure. At present, I
sell to individuals who want traditional wear or custom
outfits for weddings.

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 What We Offer
Beadwork is done freehand and we take the client's
requirements and then make it with a traditional touch.

Isingolwani (colourful neck hoops) are made by winding

grass into a hoop, binding it tightly with cotton and
decorating it with beads.

Today, bright colours are the order of the day. Our

artists reflect the change in society in their beadwork.
AKWANDE CRAFT has stylised representational forms to
the typical traditional abstract geometric designs.

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AKWANDE CRAFT (C) Copyright (2023) All Rights Reserved
 NAC
EXHIBITION

The arts and crafts industry can

also contribute to community
development by providing
opportunities for social and
economic development. I want to
provide training and resources to
artisans, which will lead to the
creation of new jobs and the
revitalisation of local communities

To date AKWANDE CRAFT has

promoted arts and crafts to
better economic empowerment
for artisans, particularly in
disadvantaged communites

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AKWANDE CRAFT (C) Copyright (2023) All Rights Reserved
Where To Find Us
+27836346581

+2764-614-0959

Lettien.ntuli@gmail.com

245 Section A, Kwamhlanga, 1022

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AKWANDE CRAFT (C) Copyright (2023) All Rights Reserved