A women’s enterprise emerges in the new South Africa
Today’s cooperative
Later in 2002, through unique circumstances, the weavers were “discovered” by an intrepid individual whose unique background enabled her to appreciate these extraordinary women: their obvious talents, their indomitable spirit, and their great need. Judy Miller had a degree in textile design and a history of weaving on a tapestry loom in the Navaho style. Raised in the world of “can do” America, she stepped in as a passionate advocate for the women weavers. For starters, she located a source of wool; found an initial commission; created an Internet presence; introduced the art of abstract design to the weavers; and secured sponsorship for eight new apprentices from the community. As she would say, “We were off!” The current Mapusha Weaving Cooperative took shape and has been moving forward ever since. Judy Miller has remained in the village as a stalwart independent community organizer.
Read about the Mapusha Women and apartheid realities.
