Meet Zodwa Sibiya: The Master Weaver Turning Telephone Wire into Colourful Craftsmanship

Photo Credit: Woza Moya Newsletter

Where someone may see discarded old telephone wire, Mama Zodwa Sibiya sees the potential to create the most stunning and carefully crafted bowls, featuring bold designs and vibrant colours that beautifully capture the nature of Mzansi.

Hillcrest, South Africa (04 May 2026) – Widely celebrated as one of the first women to master the traditionally male art of telephone wire weaving, Zodwa Sibiya is highly respected for her exceptionally detailed pictorial baskets and bowls, which beautifully depict animals, plants, and human figures.

She is Woza Moya’s Artist of the Month this May, where all her work will be on display and available for purchase by supporters of proudly South African craftsmanship.

The KZN master weaver has spent over two decades perfecting the art of telephone wirework. Based in Matata, eNanda, Zodwa’s journey is one of incredible persistence, from her early days of self-teaching in KwaMashu to seeing her bowls featured in international galleries.

Zodwa’s complex designs were first inspired by Vincent Sithole, the late master weaver, and she went on to weave animals and human figures into her bowls.

She said she loves weaving elements from nature, particularly animals, trees, and plants, as shared by Woza Moya. Her work reflects the beauty she sees in the natural world, and she believes every piece should carry that beauty wherever it goes.

“What sets Zodwa’s work apart is her intentional use of colour and her ability to weave intricate figures, trees, and animals into her designs. For Zodwa, weaving is a family legacy; she works side-by-side with her husband and has passed the skill down to her children, ensuring the craft continues to grow. Her latest collection reflects both great technical skill and a love for the natural world,” Woza Moya said.

Woza Moya is the economic empowerment project of the Hillcrest AIDS Centre Trust. Established in 2002, it assists those in desperate need to acquire a craft skill and earn an income through the sale of their craft. This puts income back into vulnerable communities at the heart of the pandemic.

In addition to Zodwa’s featured pieces, Woza Moya will be showing off a curated collection of wire bowls from other master weavers this month, celebrating the diversity and incredible talent within this traditional South African craft.