By Nkhensani Mthombeni
- Nyiko Nkwane taught herself to make traditional xibelani skirts and beadwork to survive and support her young child in Phalaborwa.
- The mechanical student warns other young people to start using their skills to make money instead of waiting for the government.
Nyiko Nkwane refuses to sit back and wait for the government to feed her family. The 26-year-old student uses her hands to beat the tough economy and put food on the table for her daughter.
Nkwane grew up without parents. Today, she juggles raising her child with studying mechanics at Mopani TVET College in Phalaborwa, Limpopo.
To survive, she built her own business. She started Nyiko’s Artwork Enterprise to sell traditional beadwork and xibelani skirts.
She makes beaded hairbands, traditional necklaces, bracelets, bags, and headpieces. She even decorates shoes with beads to bring in cash.
Her grandmother, Selinah Nkwane, introduced her to the craft. Nkwane watched her grandmother work and copied her designs until she mastered them.
She then tracked down online tutorials to sharpen her skills. This drive turned her into a well-known beading expert in her area.
Nkwane also taught herself to make the traditional Tsonga xibelani skirt. She uses a special material called charity wool to give her skirts a quality finish.
Her skirt sets, which include a top and a headband, are a big hit with parents buying for toddlers. Her prices depend on the size.
The hard work pays off. On a good month, Nkwane makes about R4,000. Her sales jump in September during heritage month and graduation season as demand rises.
Nkwane warns other young people to find ways to make an income because life is expensive.
“Young people must start using their God-given gifts and must also know how to handle money and use it constructively,” she said.
She said meeting her own needs with hard-earned money brings her satisfaction. She told people to stop always asking others for help.
“People tend to take advantage of the help they give,” she said.
Pictured above: Nyiko Nkwane.
Image source: Supplied
