KwaZulu-Natal entrepreneur transforms lockdown uncertainty into vibrant Zulu beadwork pet accessories
The uncertainty of the Covid-19 lockdown is what prompted a KwaZulu-Natal north coast entrepreneur to start manufacturing hand-crafted Zulu beadwork pet accessories.
Today the range of beaded leather products under the banner Siya Hamba have increased from not just dog collars but to key rings, horse browbands, leashes and belts for adults.
Each bead strip is hand-beaded by women artisans in Shaka's Rock and a Valley of a Thousand Hills.
Maxine Morgado, of Shaka's Rock, who stopped working as a wedding planner in 2019, missed being creative and during lockdown in 2020 she taught herself to do beadwork.
"I have two rescue dogs and they have colourful collars. I was gifted by a friend with beaded dog collars from Kenya. I decided to produce it for the local market. I am most inspired to assist women in the community.
"There were two ladies who had medical conditions that put them at risk to go back to work and they came on board. Together we created Siya Hamba. They have since moved on to other employment, but I now have five other women who assist with the business. We all have other jobs and do the beading part-time," said Morgado.
Morgado, who is also involved in property development and logistics, said the beading on an adult belt took about three to four days, adding it was detail oriented.
"Through this initiative we have been able to provide skills development through a beading programme that is able to inspire other women in the community to get involved and make some money to provide for their families," she said.
Each item is packaged in Shweshwe fabric handmade bags that are sewn by a seamstress in Shakas Rock.
She said they always ensure to keep their brand 100% proudly South African, empower and uplift local artisans and support animal rescue organisations in the community.
The most popular item is the dog collar which varies in price from R620 to R810.
The products are also reaching international markets.
From every purchase made a percentage of sales is given back to animal rescue organisations in and around the community. They are currently supporting PACT, Project Dog and Sable Creatures.
