Durban - September is Heritage Month when people celebrate their cultures and diversity. But for seasoned beadwork designers Doris Mkhize and her protégé Zama Ndlovu, who are both from Nchanga village near Botha’s Hill, this is a period to make money and feed their families.
The 70-year-old widow Mkhize believes she is the oldest traditional beadmaker in the village.
“I started making and selling beads on this hill at 15. I have been able to feed my family long after my husband died,” said Mkhize.
She chose the Valley of Thousand Hills because it was popular with tourists who supported her work.
“My beads have been sold overseas. When I am not around they call to ask if I am fine. I have become a symbol and part of this hill. Perhaps when I die they will embrace this place with my statue,” she laughed.
Ndlovu, 55, said she started her career when she was 7. Her husband died four years ago leaving her with the burden of feeding 11 family members, including her grandchildren.
Ndlovu said beads had an important message but today many people were just happy to wear them.
“They are personal messages. Often it’s only the person who makes the beads who understands the messages.”
Beadwork has seen messages move with the times. Once, a bride and a groom would wear different colours.
“And for instance a new bride would wear what is called intshebe to cover her eyes from her in-laws,” Ndlovu said.
“In our culture we don’t talk openly about sex and love and things like that, so we worked closely with women to break the silence by using the communication done with beadwork.”