21 Sep 2015

Hide processing is similar to diamond processing in that it involves subjecting a raw animal skin to several activities until its value and beauty are enhanced.  Thirty nine year old Tumisang Ngwanathebe, a leather processor, regards leather as second to diamond in terms of value creation. She runs a crafts company called Photlhwane Leatherworks Arts and Crafts in Molepolole. 

It started off 17 years ago as a hobby back then, a teenager imitating her mother who used to craft leather to make household decorations and crafts. 

However in 2010 Ngwanathebe decided to turn the hobby into a profession. Fortunately for her, a certain Joseph Moamoge of Hides & Skins in Molepolole took her under his ambit and trained her until she was certified for the craft. 

The success of her company so far can only be attributed to passion, commitment and patience especially when business was low. She said it took one breakthrough oppotunity to get one customer who was able to connect her to some clients abroad.

 “An American peace corp volunteer saw my products and by word of mouth  spread awareness for my products to his colleagues, of which one of them bought a Gemsbok horn craft from me, and that was how my breakthrough came,’’ Ngwanathebe narrates. 

Apparently on getting back to United States Of America, the Gemsbok horn grabbed attention of others such that at one point Ngwanathebe received guests from Las Vegas who were attracted by the horn, and came to buy and see other craft works. 

She says up to now, her products do a part of their own marketing because of their uniqueness and quality. 

Today Photlhwane Leather works, arts and craft has exported its product to the United States, Europe as well as China. While others who work with leather are challenged by high cost of leather, Ngwanathebe said she usually asks for animal skins from the public during funerals, weddings and other ceremonies where animals are slaughtered and treats them herself. 

Some of the indigenous plants she uses for tanning leather include Mosetsane, Seswagadi and Mosetlha which she said add varied colours to the leather. 

She adds that when she started this business, her mates used to mock her but now things have turned around as many are now showing interest in learning the craft. 

She encourages her fellow youth to avoid being idle saying each individual has something in them which they can use to make a living out of them. 

Ngwanathebe said in appreciation, that various government departments support the business not only by buying her products but giving her assistance and licensing of trading with wildlife and other natural resources, and also through award recognition. 

In 2014 Photlhwane leather works scooped first prize during the Women Expo Awards followed by another first prize for the leather works category during the Consumer fair. Ends