Beaders, royal kraal ready for international visitors

Items such as a soccer ball covered in beadwork, a vuvuzela in the colours of the South African flag, coasters, dolls, decorative jewellery, key rings and even unique articles of clothing reflecting African culture.

Successful bookings lead to empowerment

By keeping their prices lower than others in the industry, FNA have managed to secure more than 1.5-million bed nights and counting, and between 70 and 80 group bookings, ranging from 50 to 4000 guests, with an average stay of around 30 nights per group.

"Through our success we are in a position to provide opportunities for these traditional beaders who are gifted with the ability to create works of art," said Annatijie Jonker, director of FNA. "We are trying to create benefit for a community that traditionally wouldn't have had a share in the World Cup but are now able to showcase their abilities. Through the company, we are hoping to give these ladies the chance to display their skills and talents to the rest of the world by promoting their services to all of our international clients."

The women have been working day and night to ensure they have enough tribal beadwork available to cater for the needs of all the company's international clients. With it currently servicing several major European football clubs, booking groups of between 150 and 400, and booking international guests on local luxury cruise ships, these women are guaranteed a welcomed boost to their current income.

"Beads have not only become powerful elements in African life but there is also a huge demand for these creative pieces overseas," added Jonker. "Tourists hold an understandable fascination for beadwork that is created by the hands of traditional beaders because each piece is unique in its shape, pattern and colour."

The beaders and other 'traditional entrepreneurs' will also be able to showcase their work to VIPS in the business, government, arts, media and investment sectors at ‘The Festival of Africa', an event to be held in Melrose Arch, Johannesburg over the duration of the tournament.

Cultural festivals extend international trips

Adding to the African experience for international guests, the company has also been liaising with King Makhosoke II of AmaNdebele and together they are planning a series of full-day cultural festivals, which will take place in the King's cluster area situated northeast of Pretoria - providing a day-trip opportunity for the international guests in-between matches.

Visitors attending the festival will have the opportunity to visit the Manala royal kraal, meet the local women who make the famous Ndebele dolls with beads and paintings and be entertained by traditional tribal dancers in full traditional wear.

During the festivities, visitors will be given the chance to visit the homestead of the famous Ndebele painter Esther Mahlangu, try their hand at painting and bead making and taste local cuisine like pap, morogo and mogodu.