Changemaker: Mathapelo At Monkeybiz 23 Jan 2025 One Bead At A Time The festive season at the V&A is an African celebration of connection and creativity. This holiday magic, called ‘Joy from Africa to the World’, was launched in 2019 as a way to empower communities through job creation. That’s why we prioritise working with small, grassroots businesses when it comes to creating the décor that delights visitors all December long.Just like in our partnership with Monkeybiz! Founded in 2000, this sustainable non-profit is on a mission to revitalise the traditional art of beading. Since the start, we’ve worked with the organisation and their artisans to create spectacular beaded showpieces to celebrate the festive season. Mathapelo, whose unique beaded doll inspired the founders to start the collective, leads a team of talented crafters turning hard work and handwork into livelihoods. MEET MATHAPELO, MASTER BEADER ONE BEAD AT A TIME"What an absolute joy it has been to join hands with ‘Joy from Africa to the World’ for 6 years now. Time flies when you’re doing what you love. It’s such a privilege to be able to show the knowledge that has been handed down over generations in a place such as the Waterfront. “It's an honour to celebrate our culture through hand beading. We want to make sure that these skills continue to be passed down and not forgotten."- Mathapelo / Monkeybiz The women (and a few men) that we work with are able to support their families through collaborations like our partnership with ‘Joy from Africa to the World’. Think about that, next time you see the wonderful creations in the V&A neighbourhood.” A DAY IN THE LIFE08:00It's the beginning of a new week so we start with planning who will work on which piece.10:00We send beading assignments out to women from the local community so that they can get stuck in, at their own pace.12:00Some of our artisans come over to work as a group. This allows us to share skills and help one another. We keep up the energy by singing our favourite songs.14:00My mom, Ma Makatiso, is the undisputed beading expert when it comes to creative problem solving. She shares some of her knowledge with the beaders.17:00We end the day with tired fingers but happy hearts. FESTIVE JOY, JOBS FOR FAMILIES"The women get to bead at home, so that they can look after their children while getting on with their duties. We make sure to support them by delivering the raw materials to them. “Beading lifts their spirits - they share in a sense of achievement.” - Mathapelo / Monkeybiz Personally, I feel happy. At a material level, things are much, much better –there’s bread on everyone’s table. In the words of one of our artisans: ‘Monkeybiz has given me a face.’ And the V&A Waterfront has given Monkeybiz a face, and a place, to keep doing our important work.” Hard work and handworkMathapelo and her community of crafters are an incredible example of the power of collaborating with communities. At the V&A Waterfront, not only do we want to delight our visitors, we want to do so in a way that supports people throughout the city we love. IN THE WORDS OF OUR CHANGEMAKER Related stories Niaz and Migyle, V&A Retail Development Team Read more on our Changemaker: Niaz and Migyle, V&A retail Development Team Read More Deidre, Social Impact At The V&A Read more on our Changemaker: Deidre, Social Impact at the V&A Read More Luxolo, V&A Academy Graduate Read more on our Changemaker: Ayanda, V&A Seal Monitor Read More share
