An appraisal of the Vulamehlo Handcraft Project

The sale of Zulu handcrafts from the Spioenkop Nature Reserve curio shop was a project initiated by the KwaZulu-Natal Nature Conservation Service to improve the social and economic status of the women of a neighbouring community and thereby address the Neighbour Relations Policy of the organisation. This initiative was deemed viable by the women who all needed an additional income. Through collaboration, the project was implemented successfully in a way that gave the women access to resources within the reserve in order to make craft items which were then sold on their behalf. Responses to structured interviews with the women suggest that the project has addressed the social needs of the community by providing several non-tangible benefits. Although the economic benefits from craft item sales were minimal in terms of the average income per person, they were significant to the most committed project members and were deemed significant by all the women who now had disposable cash. The economic viability of the project could be improved by sourcing additional outlets for sales of craft items, and the women would be able to meet an increase in the demand for these items. The predicted increase in the flow of tourism in the uThukela region, together with improved marketing strategies, will provide opportunities for future local markets.