Join hands to support the village of Rooiboklaagte
Economic empowerment
For more than 30 years, the Mapusha Weaving Cooperative has withstood the test of time, providing employment and training for women from the community. At its peak, the cooperative employed 26 weavers and spinners. Currently, there are 11 members in the cooperative, and they support more than 65 family members in the village. Weaving is a career for the older women, who have come to the studio daily since they were in their 20s, even when the Catholic mission no longer supported them. Although their modest salaries are below minimum wage, the Mapusha women do not have the extra burden of travel to jobs away from home.
Mapusha is the only business in the village, other than a few “Mom and Pop” spaza shops and a shebeen or two. Otherwise the village is filled with children, unemployed poverty stricken folks, and pensioners. The studio has an important role both as a model of modest economic success and as a safe haven for many. Their location in the village contributes to the cooperative’s stabilizing role in the community. Children come if they are hurt or hungry; old women stop on their walk back from town for rest and a drink of water.
Donations make a difference.
- With a $2,000 annual donation from a family in Portland, Oregon, the cooperative begins the new year on a good note by purchasing the wool and cotton supplies they need to produce their carpets, tapestries, and table runners.
- After their visit to the studio, a young Swedish couple returned home and raised funds with their local Rotary Club to enable the cooperative to build a beautiful orange bathroom in the studio, a big advantage for the weavers and their guests.
Wish list
- Raise visibility of master weavers through visits to the cooperative and purchase of their carpets, tapestries, and runners.
- Support the business by underwriting a course in accounting and/or computer skills for an enterprising young member of the cooperative ($1,000)
Read about supporting the village of Rooiboklaagte through food sustainability and education.
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Rooiboklaagte on the map
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Spaza shop
Shebeen
Tsonga
For making donations
Greater Good South Africa