Meet the Mapusha Artisans

Gertrude Mbetsi

Gertrude Mbetsi is the oldest of the Mapusha women and she doubles over with laughter when her childhood friend, Regina, calls out to her, "Gogo." Gertrude has a full household with her two remaining daughters living there with their children and the orphaned children of the sisters who have passed away. She has four boys, though only one is employed, and 13 grandchildren, most of them living at the Mbetsi compound in Rooiboklaagte. Her husband is retired and nearly blind but he does a good job of keeping the grandchildren company and scaring the birds from Gertrude's precious vegetable garden. She is a hard worker and a wonderful weaver though she would prefer if someone gives her the design instructions. She is our master dyer and general willing jack-of-all-trades.