Meet Mrs. Sibanda & Mrs. Sithole – Hwange weavers

Behind every HVH Africa Craft product is someone who is resilient, determined and hopeful for a brighter future. 
Artisans are often spending their earnings on essentials: food, healthcare and education for their children. Buying their handcrafted pieces is a clear and impactful act of solidarity. 

Meet some of the weavers behind our Ilala Baskets.

Meet Mrs Sibanda and Mrs Sithole from a small village in the north western Zimbabwe. The live on the brink of the largest national park in Zimbabwe and are greatly affected by poverty and the “human – wildlife conflict. “

How long have you been living in Tholotsho?

I was born here and have my family here. I have 4 children and is the second wife to my husband.

How would you describe where you live?

We are living in a home stead, in round huts made of homemade bricks and thatched roof. Our area borders Hwange (National Park) so the forest is big and farming is difficult and we often have elephants eating our crop.

What can you do about the elephants?

We call National Parks and they can try to chase it back. We are not allowed to do anything about it – we can plant trees they don’t like and try to chase them away with fire during the night, we are not allowed to shoot them of course.

What is your craft and how did you learn it? 

I am a weaver, and I learned to weave in 2004 in Lupane at workshops with Lupane Women’s Association.  I make baskets in Ilala palm and work for HVH Craft.

Why is this work important to you? 

I learned my skills through this work, earn money from the orders, and I am friends with my neighbors who are also my colleaqus

How does working together with HVH Craft helped or supported you?  

HVH Africa Craft has provided me with a lot of training and giving advice, and I have learned through having markets and sourcing for different orders.

Has being an artisan empowered you?  

Being an artisan and earning a living has empowered me and helped me to support my family.

Is there a message you would like to send to the people who purchase the items you are making?  

I would like to thank them and ask them to keep shopping and placing more orders to keep us busy.

What benefits can you see among your fellow artisans and their families when you have orders? 

When we have a large order like the Tonga baskets, we benefit because we are working together, sharing ideas, collecting palm other, building relationships, helping and lending money to each other. 

What is your dream? 

My dream is to have a good future in making different designs and finding different clients. 

What is your dream?

To see my children and grandchildren grow up.