Nguni Imports is proud to offer fine handcrafted beaded jewelry, accessories, and home furnishings. We work with independent artists, self-help projects, and African entrepreneurs to bring you the highest quality, most authentic work available. In doing so, we also ensure that the people doing the work receive the most benefit from the sale of their goods. We do not negotiate prices, whatever the women ask is what we pay (in some cases we offer more!), so we can be certain they are earning a good wage for their efforts. Nguni Imports currently works with groups representing over 600 women, including:
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The Alice Crafters' Development Project This project of Xhosa women have done work for several international conferences and fashion shows. They also maintain a skills development center which trains people in various aspects of fashion design and marketing. Their product line includes: beaded jewelry, traditional and fashion clothing, school uniforms and home decorations. |
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The Molotolo Craft Project Our Ndebele dolls and wall hangings come from the Mpumalanga-based Molotolo Craft Project. This informal association consists of about 20 women from 5 different families who all live in the same area. In addition to traditional Ndebele pieces, they are also creating a new line a fashion jewelry. |
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Sinikithemba AIDS Project AIDS is perhaps the biggest issue facing South Africa today. Nguni Imports is proud to support AIDS/HIV treatment, education, and prevention through the Sinikithemba Project. Zulu for "those who uplift", this project is based in Durban's McCord Hospital. The Zulu women who do the beadwork are HIV +, and proceeds from sales directly benefit their treatment and educational programs throughout the city. They also boast a very talented choir which has peformed in New York and Boston (below).
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Nomakwezi The future of South African fashion will depend on a blend of modern and traditional--the exotic styles that make heads turn. Situated on the cutting edge of that future is Nomakwezi, whose stunning beadwork and unique fashions are sure to influence international trends. This group of Xhosa women also run a skills development program, which provides much needed career training to the disadvantaged.
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