The launch of a book that seeks to appreciate the crafts produced in the Eastern Cape has been applauded.
Reggie Naidoo, acting Chief Exceutive Officer of the Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC) said, “The Eastern Cape is the home of crafts in South Africa.
The launch of a book that seeks to appreciate the crafts produced in the Eastern Cape has been applauded.
Reggie Naidoo, acting Chief Exceutive Officer of the Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC) said, “The Eastern Cape is the home of crafts in South Africa.
Mpumelelo Fundama, Manager at ECDC, said the book celebrates uniquely Eastern Cape crafts.
"Some 95 craft have been featured in the book, selected from 500 enterprises," Fundama said.
Buhle Dlulane, Assistant Manager, ECDC, said, "We have launched the book this month because it also commemorates our late father, Nelson Mandela.
"We wanted to create something that will be sustainable in the market ,while creating job opportunities. This book takes the creative works produced in the Eastern cape to a higher level," said Fundama.
Nomonde Madlalisa, founder of the Masizame crafts project, was acknowledged as a legend in the crafts business by the ECDC.
"I want to thank government for supporting us and I would like to encourage all the artists here today never to give up," Madlalisa said.
"Our forefathers were artists by nature,what we do is an integral part of our culture we need to fight for this legacy to go on," Madlalisa continued.
Fundama said the book would be distributed on various platforms, such as hotels, and also urged the Department of Sports, Recreation, Arts and Culture to continue supporting them.
The ECDC has brought 40 crafters to the Festival this year.
Patricia Langa, from East London, who has been featured, says that the book is a great achievement for them as artists.
"It is great to have your work recognised; it shows that our passion is not a waste," she said.
"It’s important to keep a good record of your customer certificates and financial statements so that your work is considered credible," Madlalisa said.
Sibonelo Gamnca is a third-year journalism student at Walter Sisulu University and commenced a six-month internship with Grocott’s Mail on 1 July.
