Mdukatshani Craft Project

The Mdukatshani Craft Project is based in the Thukula Valley in Kwazulu-Natal, working with Mthembu and Mchunu women to product a variety of crafted items in beads, copper wire and precious metals.  The project originated on the Maria Ratschiltz Catholic Mission, Wasbank in 1967, providing work for families who were living in tents as a result of large-scale government forced removals. The project later moved to its present site, one of the poorest and most arid areas of South Africa.  The Craft Project remains a source of hope for local women.  While some of the original beaders are still at work, a new generation have been trained. These highly skilled beaders' work can be seen in galleries throughout the world.