In South Africa, crafts revival boosts exports

Interview with Tembeka Nkamba-Van Wyk Talking Beads Academy

A southerly African businesswoman spotted an opportunity when she noticed that local craft traditions were disappearing, while tourists were seeking locally-made handicrafts. In capitalizing upon the opportunity, she has created an export business employing thousands of women in rural areas, and has invested in their communities by the agency of providing training and medical care.

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M Nkamba-Van Wyk place up the Talking Beads Academy in 1997 with the aim of keeping local traditions alive and providing profession for South African women. Women from rural areas, working in