KwaZulu-Natal
South Africa
uThungulu District Municipality
Sector
Education
Personal & Household Goods
Background information
In view of high levels of unemployment, the production of arts and craft is an important income source, particularly within the rural setup and low-income communities. It presents opportunities for local economic development and has the potential to make a significant contribution to the economy. Its influence cuts across different economic sectors particularly manufacturing, tourism and commerce.
The aim of the craft development project is to develop the existing skills-base in the district and to create awareness amongst the unemployed of the opportunities that exist from producing craft. Presently, the craft sector is poorly organised and there is a lack of clear commercial orientation. Producers are also suppliers and marketers and are unable to pay sufficient attention to all of these aspects of the commercial cycle.
The project covers the entire district and reaches into the deep rural areas to develop the craft sector. Crafters have already been involved in a series of workshops and a comprehensive database has been compiled. Crafters will be placed in sections according to their needs and capabilities following a skills audit. Training will be provided accordingly. Training can range from craft producing skills to business skills.
The mentorship programme will include a mobile unit who will monitor development and introduce product development and improve the quality of craft overall. Mentorship will also assist crafters that are ready for craft export.
Partners in this process area as follows:
- Identified crafter groups (57 identified thus far)
- Africa Centre (HIV/AIDS)
- Durban Institute of Technology
- Tourism Enterprise
- Durban Trade Port
- Zululand Crafters Association
- Zikhulise
- Mapp Seta
- SEDA
- Corporate Sector
- TKZN
- Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife
- CSIR
- uThungulu District Municipality
An Advisory Body will be established – in line with the requirements of the MFMA - to manage the craft training and marketing. The whole process (training and marketing) will be a profit driven private commercial product.
Project Outline
The project has two components, namely the craft warehouse as well as mobile training unit. The Craft Hub facility has been proposed to be located in Richards Bay (small craft harbour) while the training will take place through a mobile unit across the whole district.
- The training component of the project will include a mobile training unit reaching out to all corners of the district and it will be the link between the market and the craft producers. The training will enable crafters to establish themselves as craft businesses and produce quality craft setting new trends in the decorative industry.
- The marketing component of the project section will consist of a Craft Warehouse commercial outlet. The main objective of the Craft Warehouse is to act as a commercial outlet for the already existing craft products available in the district. The Craft Warehouse will provide an important role in the development and stimulation of the local craft sector.
The intention of the Craft Warehouse is to:
- Search and investigate new markets
- Exporting of craft products
- Marketing of craft products
- In consultation with the crafter development programme the Craft Warehouse will be a centralised craft outlet that will fulfill identified needs
- The Warehouse is to be utilised as a place to store craft for large consignments
- Supply raw materials at wholesale prices
- Include business cubicles available for groups to do business from, eg.g access to computers, email and internet
- Supply additional training and support in business
The overall objectives of the Craft Warehouse are:
- People-centered development and sustainability
- Continuous skills transfer, financial accountability and sustainability
- Clear articulation of community needs and development priorities
- Effective and efficient utilization of resources
- Ensure coordination of craft within uThungulu District Municipality
- To pilot a mentorship programme within uThungulu District Municipality
Anticipated benefits of project in line with PSEDS:
- Creation of economic opportunities at an area of economic potential
- Income generation for impoverished households
- Support services to communities at locations with limited resources of potential to access the proposed craft warehouse
Funding
Funding for Corridor development initiatives within the Ethekwini-Umhlathuze Corridor to the tune of R2 600 000 was received from the Department of Local Government and Traditional Affairs for the Richards Bay Craft Development Project.
A total budget of R268 650 from the uThungulu District Municipality budget has been spent on the development of a business plan for craft development. The following form part of the product:
- Benchmark Study
- Stakeholder Needs Analysis
- Suitable Premises Study
- Management Model
- Business Plan
Premise for the Craft Hub has been located in the small craft harbour and contractors will soon be appointed to start with renovations on the building.
For more information about this project or any other initiatives currently underway in the uThungulu District Municipality, contact:
Anushka Makka
Email: infosa@gan.co.za
Tel: +27 35 799 2500
