11 Nov 2025

As the world grapples with waste and unemployment, one woman’s hands are quietly weaving a solution. 

Janet Chivaura, a crochet artist from Gaborone, is redefining sustainable fashion by transforming discarded can caps into elegant, hand-woven handbags, a craft that caught the attention of many at the Maun Trade Expo’s first edition. 

Speaking in an interview, Chivaura revealed that she learnt to crochet from her parents at a young age and has decided to turn her passion for the art into a business venture. 

Her booth stood out for its fusion of art and environmental consciousness, displaying a colorful range of crochet pieces from bags and hats to headbands and household décor items, all made with intricate care and a touch of innovation. 

“People often throw away can caps without realising they can be reused creatively. I decided to incorporate them into my designs as a way of promoting recycling and protecting the environment,” she said. 

She highlighted that creativity is a tool that many take for granted, but it can unearth gems when taken seriously and with determination. 

“I came all the way from Gaborone to Maun for this expo because I wanted to reach new customers and show that crochet is not just for decoration, rather it is also a form of environmental responsibility,” she explained. 

Beyond her craft, Chivaura is determined to empower young people with skills that could sustain them financially. She is opposed to the notion that some people hold, that crocheting was a pastime for older women, arguing instead that the art presented a great business opportunity for the youth. 

Chivaura believes that innovation in traditional crafts can open new economic doors, especially in the face of rising unemployment. Freely has she been taught the crochet skills, and freely was she willing to pass on what she has learned to a younger generation, free of charge. 

She highlighted that there was so much potential in utilising available resources to create something valuable. Chivaura’s creativity underscores the vital role of artisans and small businesses in promoting environmental responsibility and generating wealth. ENDS