Exhibition celebrates rural KZNSA artisans

THE ifa crafted heritage collection, hosted by KwaZulu-Natal Society of Arts (KZNSA) in partnership with the FirstRand Foundation is currently on display at Art&About in Sandton’s Merchant Place. 

The exhibition showcases the skill and cultural legacy of rural KwaZulu-Natal’s master crafters and will run until the end of April 2026.

ifa crafted, meaning “inheritance” in isiZulu, embodies the concepts of indlalifa – those entrusted with passing down legacy – and ukuloba ngezandla (“thinking with hands”). Launched in 2025, the project has engaged over 80 master crafters from rural communities across the province, including Ixopo, Ntshongweni, Hlabisa, eManguzi, Rorke’s Drift, Greytown, Cato Ridge, Mthwalume, Mbazwane, the Valley of a Thousand Hills, and beyond.

Through an intensive collaborative co-design process led by Angela Shaw of KZNSA, acclaimed beadwork artist Hlengiwe Dube, Gary Cotterell, and other contributing designers, artisans from rural KwaZulu-Natal have reinterpreted age-old techniques across mediums including beading, telewire, wire weaving, ilala palm and grass weaving, tapestry, ceramics, wood carving, embroidery, and textile printing.

The resulting collections elevate traditional craft into aspirational luxury homeware, décor, jewellery, and collectibles that honour cultural heritage while speaking confidently to contemporary global tastes.

Among the artisans who attended the exhibition, and shared their personal stories and the depth of skill in their work were:

• Nomfundo Mkhize – beadwork and textile specialist from the Valley of a Thousand Hills, known for intricate patterns that weave personal and communal narratives into contemporary forms.
• Angeline Masuku – master ilala palm weaver from northern KwaZulu-Natal, whose tightly coiled baskets and vessels reflect generations of knowledge passed down in her community.
• Busisiwe Mayise – accomplished telewire weaver whose bold, colourful works transform recycled materials into vibrant statements of resilience and innovation.
• Sibusiso Mthembu – skilled wire artist who shapes metal into dynamic sculptures and functional objects that bridge rural tradition with urban sophistication.

“ifa crafted has opened doors we never imagined – from our rural homes to spaces like Sandton”, said Busisiwe Mayise. 

“Seeing people appreciate the stories in every weave has been truly special. This initiative has given us a platform to share our heritage while building sustainable futures for our families. We are grateful and proud,” she said.

The project’s impact reaches far beyond beautiful objects. By offering professional design collaboration, e-commerce access, high-profile exhibitions, and international market exposure, ifa crafted has delivered increased income, greater confidence, and a stronger professional identity for participants. It provides a replicable, ethical model for rural creative enterprise that balances innovation, heritage preservation, and inclusive economic growth in marginalised communities.

“Initiatives like ifa crafted demonstrate the profound transformative power of strategic partnerships in preserving South Africa’s rich cultural heritage while creating sustainable pathways for economic empowerment,” said Kone Gugushe, Head of Social Investing at FirstRand.

“By uplifting rural talent and ensuring that ancient knowledge continues to thrive in contemporary contexts, we are investing not just in artisans, but in the enduring legacy of communities for generations to come. We are deeply proud to support this vital work and to celebrate the remarkable artisans alongside KZNSA,” added Gugushe.

For more information visit ifacrafted.com

SUNDAY TRIBUNE