09 Jun 2013

Ghanzi Craft Centre is preserving San culture through craft for upcoming generations.

In an interview in Francistown recently, the centre’s sales representative, Mmamaswe Kikonyane said the organisation was formed in 1983 with the aim of empowering San communities.

She said the organisation was based in Ghanzi and has its presence in 16 San settlements, 11 in Ghanzi and five in Kgalagadi district. 

Through the organisation, Kikonyane said San communities could easily link and know their identity.

She stressed that the organisation was not only focused on preserving San culture, but also on the survival of the San communities.

“This organisation is doing a great job in promoting our culture for the new generation and among the San, but that is not our only credit. It has helped some of our people to make a living through the craft they produce,” she said.

Kikonyane said the organisation has selected people with certain talents to train others so that the talent is passed onto the next generation.

She further explained that raw materials and products needed for producing crafts are supplied by the organisation, adding that most of their raw materials were sourced from game farms, giving an example of the ostrich egg shell, which is their major raw material.

They produce bracelets, hand bands, necklaces, belts, leather works, bows and arrows, flat bags also known as gathering bags and wood used for carving guinea fowls and ostriches.

Kikonyane applauded the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Culture for facilitating marketing of their products and providing a good platform for networking with their clients. ENDS