60 Local Crafters Turn Skills into Opportunities for Sustainable Livelihoods

Photo Credit: Wildoceanssa via Facebook

With skilled hands and hope for the future, 60 crafters from eNkovukeni, Mabibi and KwaDapha are building on their talents to support their families and create opportunities for lasting livelihoods.

iSimangaliso Wetland Park, South Africa (05 November 2026) – When exploring a new town or visiting a heritage site, it is common to come across local artists and crafters displaying their work for art lovers and souvenir collectors. Behind these beautiful pieces, though, are dedicated hands that have spent hours, if not longer, learning and perfecting a skill that not only brings bare materials to life, but also offers hope of supporting themselves and their families back home.

Across the iSimangaliso Wetland Park World Heritage Site, 60 local crafters from the communities of eNkovukeni, Mabibi and KwaDapha have been strengthening their skills and creating opportunities for sustainable livelihoods through a craft development initiative by Wildoceanssa.

Building on the skills identified during the Oceans Alive project, the initiative is implemented in collaboration with Africa Ignite. It focuses on enhancing existing skills in weaving, sewing and other creative crafts, while introducing new opportunities such as beadwork.

The initiative is supported by the Blue Action Fund, with matching funding from The Light Foundation.

Beyond skills development, the heart of the programme lies in connecting local crafters with tourism markets, including surrounding lodges, tourism establishments and visitors to iSimangaliso. This way, their handmade products can be showcased and sold at the craft centres within the three Community Resource Hubs.

Visitors exploring the Hubs have the opportunity to discover locally made products, appreciate the craftsmanship and buy directly from these community-based enterprises.

For Babazile Mathenjwa, a local crafter from Mabibi, handcrafting has been more than just a skill; it has been a source of income and a means of providing for her family. Since starting her craft journey 20 years ago, Babazile has used the income from making doormats, bags, table mats and baskets to support her children’s education.

Thanks to support from Wildoceans, crafters are being empowered with skills to create more, and their work is placed where more people can appreciate it. A beautifully woven basket sold to a visitor or a handmade bag chosen as a gift is therefore more than just a sale – it helps these crafters sustain their livelihoods, support their families and put food on the table.