Soroptimist International Pretoria
November 20th 1999.
{Now playing Nkosi Sikelel' iAfrica.
The Winterveldt is an impoverished area about
40 km northwest of Pretoria , South
Africa . Several years ago the Pretoria
Soroptimists started a project , based on the International Soroptimist
theme "Clean Water for All", to develop resources to supply more
![[woman with water drum]](waterca.jpg)
water
in the Winterveldt area. As a result of the initial "Water" Project
we have expanded and continued our projects aimed at improving conditions
in this large, disadvantaged community. We have focused our efforts on
several areas:
- Environment
- Social and Economic Development
- Health
- Literacy and Education
In 1991 we started the MAPULA (Mother of Rain) Embroidery Project in
the Winterveldt. This project is based at the DWT Nthathe Adult Education
Centre, a Catholic Mission of the Sisters of Mercy. The Mapula community
based embroidery project was initiated to help create opportunities for
some of the thousands of unemployed women in the Winterveldt. Managed by
two Winterveldt women, Emily Maluleka and Martha Metlae. the project provides
a modest income for approximately 70 women. For some it is their only income
while others supplement theirs enabling them to fund their studies, to
educate their children or simply feed and clothe their families.
Through the Soroptimists the project has received financial aid from
corporate companies, i.e. Nedcor (R5,000). This enabled the project to
buy sewing machines, irons, fabric and embroidery cotton. The gross income
for 1994 was R50,000 of which 80% went back to the women and 20% back into
the project to buy fabric and embroidery cotton.
The drawings are done by the women. As a results of this a wonderful
spontaneity is achieved. Pictures and comments such as Peace in our land, a rabbit in a speed boat,
a mermaid with a transistor radio are but a few topics that have made their
appearance to the customer's delight.
Soroptimists and members of the staff of the University
of South Africa have assisted with creative ideas, product development
and marketing. Some women have been taught how to run a flea market.
Embroidered items are made up into cushion covers, table mats, calico T-shirts
and bags. Apart from sales events and exhibitions, their work is sold by
the Rural Crafts Association, the Durban African Art Centre and various
shops in South Africa. They have exhibited overseas and are members of
the Crafts Council of South Africa.
The embroidery is done on Fasco or Fabella - a 100% cotton fabric. The
embroidery thread used is a number 5 crochet cotton made by Fiesta and
Pingouin as well as a local filosheen. Fabric and cotton are produced in South Africa.
For
more information about Mapula products
Read
News about the Mapula Project's success
HRH Queen Elizabeth presented with Mapula Cloth
Mapula at the Smithsonian.
This web site is created and
maintained by Hendré Falkson