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I’m Mathapelo
One of the founders of Monkeybiz. As a passionate artisan, I continue the legacy of hand-crafted beadwork. As a long-time collaborator with Joy from Africa, the V&A’s festive season, I can bring employment to my community while keeping our traditions alive.
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.
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.
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 life
“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.”
Mathapelo / Monkeybiz
Hard work
and
handwork
Hard work
and
handwork
Mathapelo 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.
Every festive season, the crafting community of Monkeybiz is incredibly proud to see our work bringing smiles to families and friends in the neighbourhood. It’s amazing to see our handwork celebrated with other artisans and artists. Every bead represents the livelihoods that are supported through this partnership with the Waterfront.
Read the next chapter
Chapter 05
Niaz and Migyle
V&A retail Development Team
