Eventually, Mathokoza and her family returned to South Africa, settling in a country teeming with history, colors, and craft traditions waiting to be rediscovered.
It was here, in the vibrant streets of Tshwane, that she first encountered the magic of Ndebele craft in its rawest form.
On bustling corners, she would stop to admire the work of an incredible artisans - a warm, spirited woman - Ma Masango, selling intricately beaded artecacts and Ndebele traditional attire .
Mathokoza, ever the humanitarian creative, was captivated not just by the artistry but by the stories embedded in each piece. She saw potential, an opportunity to honor the legacy of these talented crafters while helping their community flourish.
Over time, she formed a bond with this woman and her circle of friends, learning from them, celebrating their techniques, and documenting the vibrant cultural narratives of rural KwaNdebele.
Together, they began kept turning traditional motifs, lifestyle artefacts and stories into cohesive design ranges that blended heritage with contemporary sensibilities.
Year after year, new collections were born - each a homage to the artisans’ skill, each a bridge between the rural villages where the craft originated and the modern homes of clients across South Africa and beyond.
These collaborations were more than business; they were a living testament to cultural preservation, social impact, and creative empowerment.
That was the springboard that took this amazing work AROUND WORLD!
The Thread of Tradition
A story of two friends
When Mathokoza Nhlapo and Dumisile Nxumalo-Martin were reunited by fate in Washington, D.C., far from their African homeland of eSwatini, their lifelong friendship found new meaning. Together, they reminisced about their childhoods, watching their grandmothers, mothers, sisters and aunts weave and craft intricate body and home accessories. Each piece a symbol of pride and tradition.
Living abroad and raising their African children in a foreign land, they longed to honor these cherished traditions. They dreamed of recreating the handmade pots and home ornaments that had once filled their homes, modernizing them to suit their new surroundings. These creations became more than decor; they were symbols of identity, connecting their families and guests to the richness of their heritage.
Here, between the two nurturers, Sithabe was born. The name was woven from the names of their children Sipho, Thandabantu, and Bethusile.
Sipho
Thandabantu
Bethusile
OUR GLOBAL PRESENCE since 2006
