Case Study: Nahakwe Lodge

R266,000 – Nahakwe Lodge Micro Enterprise Development spend

R65,000 – Thomas Kubayi – Tshivhuyuni village
Highly acclaimed wood carver and musician from whom various statues were acquired as décor for the lodge and smaller pieces for sale to guests

R17,700 – Twananani Textiles – Mbokota Village
Group of 12 women who make a variety of textile products inspired by traditional Tsonga patterns. Commissioned to make 22 wall-hangings for the Lodge

R21,200 – Madi a Thava
Six talented Venda and Tsonga ladies made the bed throws and cushions for the 40-bed lodge

R18,800 – Khoja’s Textiles – Louis Trichardt
Supplied curtain material for Lodge curtains and blinds

R61,000 – Curtain makers – Louis Trichardt
Two local women manufactured the curtains and blinds for the lodge

R17,000 – Avhashoni Mainganye
Paintings by Avhashoni of Tshivhasa Village, an acclaimed Venda artist and his students purchased for the lodge

R15,300 – Eloff Gallery – Polokwane
Provides an important service as a sales outlet for a number of local artists and from whom various original paintings by local artists were acquired for the lodge.

R10,000 – Mukondeni Potters
Group of 30 women from Mukondeni Village established a pottery factory. An array of decorative pots were purchased as décor and for sale to guests

R40,000 – Crafts – Various local villages
Traditional clothing, jewelry, beadwork and a variety of other crafts purchased from various crafters for sale through the craft shop at the lodge

Thomas Kubayi, master carver and musician:  Spend – R65,000

Thomas Kubayi learned his craft from the famous John Baloyi and Jackson Hlungwane, and followed their tradition of sharing skill and knowledge locally. An engaging man, Thomas developed a business that centered on these skills.  When Nahakwe Lodge was suddenly pressed for a Ministerial Opening, and décor required, Thomas’ beautiful carvings and benches added a quality and atmosphere that has come to be synonymous with Nahakwe Lodge. A selection of his smaller pieces are also sold through the Lodge’s craft shop.

Twananani Textiles:  Spend – R17,700

The Twananani Co-operative’s team was approached to create beaded and embroidered works that would represent daily life in the local community. The Lodge’s double-volume foyer and dining-room required pieces that were both dramatic and eye-catching.  Working under immense pressure to meet an almost impossible opening deadline, the Twananani works were framed and provide a lovely backdrop in the foyer, dining room and guest bedrooms today.  In addition, as part of the Ribola Art Route, the Twananani Co-operative developed a half-day interactive experience for guests to visit and learn their Tsonga version of batik. This engaging activity for guests provides both an income for the co-operative, as well as a joyful experience for visitors to the area.