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A passionate team
Ceramic artists Barbara Jackson and Shirley Fintz, passionate collectors
of African beadwork and art have facilitated a revival of an ancient
beading
tradition in Southern Africa. Together with Mataphelo Ngaka, they
made
their dream come true. A desire to create employment and empowerment
for disadvantaged women in Cape Town has led to the creation of
"MONKEYBIZ"
300 women beading a future
Monkeybiz supply richly coloured glass beads to women in the
townships of Cape Town. The 300 women involved in the project are
currently
producing exquisite handbeaded artworks-each a unique one off creation.
Each women is paid for every doll produced and since they work from
home ,
can look after their families and avoid transport costs.
Increadible sculptures
The beaded works are creating a sensation wherever they appear,
locally and abroad.
Historically, bead work in a South African context has been the
domain of
women largely within the Xhosa, Zulu, Ndebele and Sotho Communities.
The women are introduced to them directly through their mothers,
grandmothers and other women in the community, and hence
there is a natural aptitude for the craft.
MonkeyBiz is a non-profit organisation - all profits go back into
the communities.
Positively HIV, an educational book about HIV AIDS
Monkeybiz and Isandi have a long lasting partnership, of which Ithemba-Isandi
now is a natural part of.
In 2002/2003 Monkeybiz and Isandi developed the "Hiv Aids Awareness
Pilot Project", with the financial support from the Norwegain
Agency for Development Cooperation (NORAD).
The visual outcome of the project is the internationally acclaimed
"Positively HIV", a
visual educational book about HIV/AIDS. All profit
from the sales of the book goes towards the running of Monkeybiz
Wellness Clinic, which was etasblished in order to offer counselling,
yoga therapy and income generating activities for the extended
Monkeybiz network, affected by hiv/aids.
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The 68-page book is magnificently illustrated with Monkeybiz beadwork
images and targets young people between the ages of 15 and 24. Initially,
it will be published in English and Xhosa but translations into
Sotho, Zulu, Afrikaans and also French versions are planned for
the future.
Positively HIV intends to educate youth in an entertaining and non-confrontational
way, as well as expose the wonderful creative (and employment) opportunities
offered by bead art and crafts.
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